Why We Hate

by Jack Levin

Overview

In this in-depth look at the most troubling aspect of human nature, a prominent, nationally recognized criminologist, who is a leader in his field, and a respected sociologist seek to explain why hate exists and offer practical methods for creating a more peaceable society.Are we born with a propensity to hate, or is it something we learn? Does educating people necessarily reduce hate? Looking at biological, psychological, and cultural factors, Drs. Levin and Rabrenovic investigate the evidence for hate as an inborn trait, as learned behavior, and as a reaction to envy, frustration, or the need for belonging, control, and authority.The topics include the media''s role in contributing to hate, anti-Americanism, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim sentiments, domestic terrorism, and "organized hate" in the form of white supremacist and civilian militia groups. Finally, in surveying the many trouble spots around the world where hate is manifest, they describe a series of inspiring situations that show surprising cooperation between ethnic groups who have transcended hate, and the authors explain how they achieved it.Both enlightening and insightful, this momentous and timely work offers hope that civilized human beings can come to grips with an age-old problem.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781615926480
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	05/01/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	276
File size:	314 KB

About the Author

Jack Levin, Ph.D. (Boston, MA), is the Brudnick Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Northeastern University, as well as the director of the Brudnick Center on Violence and Conflict. He is the author of many critically acclaimed books on criminology, including Hate Crimes Revisited (with J. McDevitt) and The Violence of Hate, and is frequently quoted in the national media. He often appears on national television, including The Today Show, Oprah, The O’Reilly Factor, Larry King Live, 20/20, 48 Hours, and many other programs.
Gordana Rabrenovic, Ph.D. (Boston, MA), is associate professor of sociology at Northeastern University and the associate director of the Brudnick Center on Violence and Conflict. She is the author of numerous professional articles and one book, Community Builders, and the coeditor of Community Politics and Policy.

Table of Contents

	Preface	7
Chapter 1	In the Aftermath of 9/11	11
Chapter 2	Hate as Violence	25
Chapter 3	Hate as Fear	39
Chapter 4	Hate as Revenge	53
Chapter 5	Hate and Human Nature	63
Chapter 6	The Political Uses of Hate	75
Chapter 7	Hate and Culture Wars	97
Chapter 8	Hate in Popular Culture	113
Chapter 9	When the Economy Goes South, Hate Travels North	127
Chapter 10	Manufacturing Hate	137
Chapter 11	Ordinary People; Extraordinary Courage	157
Chapter 12	Cooperation and Community Action	171
Chapter 13	Women as Peacemakers	187
Chapter 14	Societies That Resist Hate and Violence	195
Chapter 15	Ending Hate and Violence	205
	Epilogue: The Modern Madness of Hate	213
Appendix	Flag-Waving and Attitudes Toward Arab Americans	221
	Suggested Readings	233
	Notes	237
	Index	261