How Hate Crime Laws Affect Prejudice

Hate crime laws were created with intentions to decrease racism. However, in my generation, discrimination seems to steadily diminish every year. Only about fifty-five years ago, public schools were still segregated. Just under a decade before that, the Holocaust was still in effect. Many people claim that the amount of crimes, based on race especially, is rising. But, when you take a look back in our history, a great deal has changed in very little time. It's absurd to think that racism could possibly be getting any worse. So why, then, are these laws necessary now? In many ways, this could make prejudice more of an issue. Some wrongdoings are not based on race, religion, or ethnicity, but if these laws are in effect, the case must be looked at as a possible hate crime. Therefore, if racism does almost completely disappear, the law will still be looking into it as one of discrimination. Does this not encourage segregated beliefs?

Harsher Punishments for Hate Crime Laws

Much controversy has been stirring about whether we should enforce stricter punishments for hate crime laws. Many agree that discrimination is wrong, but motive should not influence the sentence. Killing a man because of his race or ethnicity is no different than killing a man for his association with another gang. The victim still lost his life and the family still suffers. So why should the punishment be any different? Murder is murder, regardless of the reasoning behind it. Furthermore, hate is a factor in nearly every crime. In my example earlier, the animosity for the other gang members caused the man's death. How is this not considered a hate crime? The same applies for other offenses of less severity as well. Vandalism, in all aspects, shows frustration towards the owner of the property. It does not matter whether the anger is aimed towards the boss of a place of work, the principal of a school, or a Jewish couple. No matter what the circumstances, property was damaged and consequences should follow. It is unfair to treat the same severity of crimes differently.