It Could Happen Here: Why America Is Tipping from Hate to the Unthinkable - And How We Can Stop It

by Jonathan Greenblatt

Overview

“Refreshingly candid . . . Get off Instagram and read this book.” —Sacha Baron Cohen 

From the dynamic head of ADL, an impassioned argument about the terrifying path that America finds itself on today—and how we can save ourselves.

It’s almost impossible to imagine that unbridled hate and systematic violence could come for us or our families. But it has happened in our lifetimes in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. And it could happen here.

Today, as CEO of the storied ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), Jonathan Greenblatt has made it his personal mission to demonstrate how antisemitism, racism, and other insidious forms of intolerance can destroy a society, taking root as quiet prejudices but mutating over time into horrific acts of brutality. In this urgent book, Greenblatt sounds an alarm, warning that this age-old trend is gathering momentum in the United States—and that violence on an even larger, more catastrophic scale could be just around the corner.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Drawing on ADL’s decades of experience in fighting hate through investigative research, education programs, and legislative victories as well as his own personal story and his background in business and government, Greenblatt offers a bracing primer on how we—as individuals, as organizations, and as a society—can strike back against hate. Just because it could happen here, he shows, does not mean that the unthinkable is inevitable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780358617280
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	01/04/2022
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	259,695
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

JONATHAN GREENBLATT is the CEO of ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), the world’s leading anti-hate organization with a distinguished record of fighting antisemitism and advocating for just and fair treatment to all. Jonathan joined ADL in 2015 after serving in the White House as special assistant to President Obama and director of the Office of  Social Innovation and Civic Participation. He joined the government after a distinguished career in business as a successful social entrepreneur and corporate executive: he cofounded Ethos Brands, the company that launched Ethos Water (acquired by Starbucks, 2005), founded All for Good (acquired by Points of Light, 2011), and served as a senior executive at realtor.com (acquired by News Corp, 2014).

Table of Contents

Author's Note ix

Introduction 1

Part 1 The Pyramid of Hate

1 Hate Gone Mainstream 19

2 From Micro aggressions to Genocide 40

3 The Top of the Pyramid 52

4 The Making of an Extremist 65

5 Hate Boosters 92

6 American Berserk 114

Part II Dismantling the Pyramid

7 Fighting Hate in Everyday Life 129

8 Mobilizing Government Against Hate 150

9 Raising Hate-Free Kids 173

10 Faith Against Hate 194

11 Building Better Businesses 210

Epilogue 229

Acknowledgments 233

Notes 241

Index 277

Editorial Reviews

11/08/2021

In this impassioned yet uneven account, Anti-Defamation League CEO Greenblatt delivers a troubling compendium of recent incidents of hate and intolerance and offers practical advice on how to counteract such dangers. Contending that the normalization of racial slurs, negative stereotypes, and cruel teasing can foster violence by dehumanizing victims, Greenblatt urges readers to call out problematic speech and behavior even when it seems innocuous. He offers suggestions for how to counter hate and promote tolerance and humanitarian values in various contexts, including family, work, schools, and faith groups, though his suggestion that anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism are inseparable goes too far. He also has a tendency to argue against straw men, as when he claims that “commentators on the left soften their calls to destroy the Jewish state by... advocating for justice for the Palestinian people,” and that some proponents of critical race theory are intent on “denying individuals any degree of agency and negating the nuances that shape communities over time.” Though Greenblatt’s warnings about the dangers of normalizing bigotry are sound, he lets his political agenda get in the way of his message. Progressives, in particular, will be unconvinced. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

"Jonathan Greenblatt and I have two things in common: a love of storytelling and a strong belief that social media has dangerously amplified bigotry, misogyny, and conspiracy theories. In this refreshingly candid read, Jonathan is not afraid to call out leaders of tech companies like Facebook and Twitter to be more accountable for their role in spreading hatred. Get off Instagram and read this book." — Sacha Baron Cohen

"Jonathan Greenblatt has written an urgent work of deep love and deep anxiety—for the Jewish people, for America, for the state of Israel . . . It Could Happen Here will help shape the conversation on antisemitism and hate in America" — Yossi Klein Halevi, Senior Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute, and author of Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor   

"It Could Happen Here describes the insidious ways that unchecked hate can seep into society from the periphery, growing from the seeds of fringe thought into harmful rhetoric and heinous actions. Greenblatt has written a playbook against hate that shows just how fragile the balance between calm and chaos can be when we turn a blind eye. We should heed the warning." — Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation   

"For over a century, ADL has played a crucial role in identifying and countering antisemitism, prejudice, and hatred. In his book, Jonathan Greenblatt helps readers take the battle to their own social networks, by offering practical advice to individuals and institutions on ways to confront and even dismantle hatred in its early stages. In this time of extreme political polarization and quickly growing distrust, Greenblatt's comprehensive work can help us build bridges, build trust, and uproot harmful prejudices from our midst." — Natan Sharansky, Israeli politician, human rights activist, and a former prisoner of conscience in the Soviet Union

“There has never been a more perilous time for individual rights and liberties. And as Jonathan Greenblatt illustrates so powerfully in It Could Happen Here, we must understand our history, both recent and distant, to avoid the threats to our rights today. Greenblatt offers his piercing insights from multiple perches he’s served in—from the White House to the ADL. We must act now, heed his advice, and fight for what’s right.” — Anthony Romero, Executive Director, ACLU

Purpose-driven business leaders are taking a stand against the rise of hate at home and around the world. As CEO of ADL, an institution that has been at the forefront of the fight against antisemitism, racism and all forms of intolerance, Jonathan Greenblatt has a vision for how companies—and their CEOs—can act responsibly and pragmatically for our collective future. This book lays out the how and why. — hamina Singh, Founder & President, Center for Inclusive Growth, Mastercard  

It Could Happen Here is an indictment of antisemitism on both the left and the right. Jonathan Greenblatt explains his journey and our predicament, and offers a crucial road map for an age of resurgent hate. — Rabbi David Wolpe, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles

“In this pivotal moment of American history, Jonathan Greenblatt has written a vital book. It is at once a primer on the various extremisms of our era, and a guide to how to build a healthy, diverse democracy. This book is essential reading.” — Eboo Patel, Founder and President, Interfaith Youth Core, and author of Acts of Faith and We Need to Build 

 “In this moment, when stubborn, ugly hatreds have again reared their heads, Jonathan Greenblatt offers a superb, clear-eyed snapshot of what is unfolding and why. Even more importantly, he leaves the reader feeling not helpless, but emboldened—helping us see all the ways we can each be a ‘story of courage.’ His suggestions are concrete, smart, and galvanizing. His writing is compelling. This book is not just the alarm we need but also a bracing call to action.” — Abigail Pogrebin, author of My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays; One Wondering Jew  

Jonathan Greenblatt has channeled his unique combination of entrepreneurship and public service experience into a new vision for ADL. He does the same in this page-turning book, which weaves beautiful stories with practical advice on how to fight hate. An urgent book for an urgent time. — Daniel Lubetzky, Founder and Executive Chairman, KIND Snacks 

Jonathan Greenblatt offers an insightful perspective on the forces tearing the nation's social fabric and shows how it can be mended. Leveraging his extensive and varied experience, he guides us in confronting the threatening realities. We cannot, and must not, erase past horrors but—like Greenblatt—we can learn from them to avoid new pitfalls of hatred, and find our way on the path to tolerance and understanding. — Dani Dayan, Chairman, Yad Vashem  

America is being torn apart by hate. Unscrupulous internet platforms, media companies, and politicians are amplifying hate it for their own benefit, with catastrophic consequences for society. In It Can Happen Here, Jonathan Greenblatt provides an essential manual for combatting hate that is based on a century of ADL experience fighting antisemitism. This book is a must read. — Roger McNamee, New York Times best-selling author of Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe 

Greenblatt offers compelling and empowering solutions to work against the dangers of the hate spreading every day in our country. With something to offer individuals from all backgrounds, this book aims to not only educate and inform, but also to inspire current and future generations to be and do better for one another. — Sheila Katz, CEO, National Council of Jewish Women  

It is easy to think that the Holocaust will never happen again. Sadly, we cannot be so sure. This is why the ADL was created: to prevent future atrocities. In this powerful book, Jonathan Greenblatt offers a sobering reminder and at same time provides clear ideas on how we can work together to create belonging, offer hope, and change the future. This is a must read for anyone working for social change. — Sonal Shah, President, The Asian American Foundation

Jonathan Greenblatt has demonstrated prophetic leadership with this book. It Could Happen Here manages to be both inspiring and actionable, illustrating how people from all faiths can combat the specter of intolerance that ultimately threatens all people. — Imam Abdullah Antepli, Associate Professor, Duke University  

We may think the battle against hate is unwinnable, but Jonathan Greenblatt gives us courage to enter the fray and provides tools, lessons and experiences to support us in our confrontation with this age-old menace. What’s at stake is the well-being if not the very existence of our society as we know it. It’s a fight from which we cannot turn away. — Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein, Director of Jewish Community and Bronfman Center for Jewish Life, 92Y 

From the Publisher

Purpose-driven business leaders are taking a stand against the rise of hate at home and around the world. As CEO of ADL, an institution that has been at the forefront of the fight against antisemitism, racism and all forms of intolerance, Jonathan Greenblatt has a vision for how companies—and their CEOs—can act responsibly and pragmatically for our collective future. This book lays out the how and why.

 Founder & President hamina Singh

It Could Happen Here is an indictment of antisemitism on both the left and the right. Jonathan Greenblatt explains his journey and our predicament, and offers a crucial road map for an age of resurgent hate.

Rabbi David Wolpe

Jonathan Greenblatt has written an urgent work of deep love and deep anxiety — for the Jewish people, for America, for the state of Israel . . . It Could Happen Here will help shape the conversation on antisemitism and hate in America

Yossi Klein Halevi

In this pivotal moment of American history, Jonathan Greenblatt has written a vital book. It is at once a primer on the various extremisms of our era, and a guide to how to build a healthy, diverse democracy. This book is essential reading.

Eboo Patel

It Could Happen Here describes the insidious ways that unchecked hate can seep into society from the periphery, growing from the seeds of fringe thought into harmful rhetoric and heinous actions. Greenblatt has written a playbook against hate that shows just how fragile the balance between calm and chaos can be when we turn a blind eye. We should heed the warning.

Darren Walker

In this moment, when stubborn, ugly hatreds have again reared their heads, Jonathan Greenblatt offers a superb, clear-eyed snapshot of what is unfolding and why. Even more importantly, he leaves the reader feeling not helpless, but emboldened—helping us see all the ways we can each be a ‘story of courage.’ His suggestions are concrete, smart, and galvanizing. His writing is compelling. This book is not just the alarm we need but also a bracing call to action.

Abigail Pogrebin

Jonathan Greenblatt has channeled his unique combination of entrepreneurship and public service experience into a new vision for ADL. He does the same in this page-turning book, which weaves beautiful stories with practical advice on how to fight hate. An urgent book for an urgent time.

Daniel Lubetzky

Jonathan Greenblatt and I have two things in common: a love of storytelling and a strong belief that social media has dangerously amplified bigotry, misogyny, and conspiracy theories. In this refreshingly candid read, Jonathan is not afraid to call out leaders of tech companies like Facebook and Twitter to be more accountable for their role in spreading hatred. Get off Instagram and read this book.

Sacha Baron Cohen

There has never been a more perilous time for individual rights and liberties. And as Jonathan Greenblatt illustrates so powerfully in It Could Happen Here, we must understand our history, both recent and distant, to avoid the threats to our rights today. Greenblatt offers his piercing insights from multiple perches he’s served in—from the White House to the ADL. We must act now, heed his advice, and fight for what’s right.

Anthony Romero

For over a century, ADL has played a crucial role in identifying and countering antisemitism, prejudice, and hatred. In his book, Jonathan Greenblatt helps readers take the battle to their own social networks, by offering practical advice to individuals and institutions on ways to confront and even dismantle hatred in its early stages. In this time of extreme political polarization and quickly growing distrust, Greenblatt's comprehensive work can help us build bridges, build trust, and uproot harmful prejudices from our midst.

Natan Sharansky

12/03/2021

Greenblatt (CEO, Anti-Defamation League) warns of the current spread of hate in the United States, which he argues may lead to violence. Drawing from the Anti-Defamation League's long history of advocating against antisemitism, Greenblatt asserts that a tipping point in hateful rhetoric is fast approaching. In part one of his work, Greenblatt illustrates the ways in which hate has previously been spread in communities, drawing on historical examples and personal anecdotes. He argues that hateful ideas can spread slowly and eventually become normalized and will lead to violence if unchecked. He also draws parallels between history and current events and suggests small things that individuals can do to combat hatred. In part two, Greenblatt shows how individuals (parents; educators) and organizations (governments; businesses) can collectively work against hate and suggests specific actions. The author takes a characteristically middle-ground approach to the issues and also addresses criticisms of the Anti-Defamation League from both the political left and right. VERDICT A well-reasoned argument for vigilance against of hate, with useful suggestions. Recommended for readers interested in politics and current events who would like to take action.—Rebekah Kati, Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Library Journal

2021-11-06
The CEO of the Anti-Defamation League suggests ways to respond to bigotry toward marginalized communities.

Greenblatt champions the ADL’s work and causes in a “handbook against hate” that often reads like a promotional vehicle for the civil rights organization. In addition to adapting previously published ADL materials, he writes, “I’ve also borrowed text freely from ADL without attribution.” This approach works well when he is describing unique tools or resources developed by the ADL, such as its “Pyramid of Hate,” which posits that bigotry occurs in five progressively worse stages that can overlap: “biased attitudes,” “acts of bias,” “systemic discrimination,” “bias-motivated violence,” and “genocide.” But Greenblatt’s free hand with warmed-over text and ideas can lead to mind-numbing clichés and corporate jargon in chapters intended to offer practical tips on promoting tolerance or overcoming hate in a range of everyday situations: at work, at home, on social media, in communities or religious groups, and elsewhere. For example, the author writes that companies seeking to respond responsibly to hate “would do well to implement initiatives consistent with their core competencies and operational design.” Such tedious passages clash with Greenblatt’s biting comments on topics such as the Palestinian cause or the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement’s “anti-normalization” stance, which “essentially criminalizes Zionism.” The author’s discussions of the discrimination faced by Jews and others such as Black or transgender people can also elide differences in their lived experiences. More persuasive and enlightening accounts of the spread of hate—and worthy responses to it—have recently appeared in Géraldine Schwarz’s Those Who Forget and Mark Oppenheimer’s Squirrel Hill. Either book would make a better introduction to the alarming resurgence of antisemitism and other forms of bigotry in the U.S. and elsewhere. Readers could also return to Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy.

An uninspired handbook on hate from the leader of a prominent civil rights organization.

Kirkus Reviews