In recent years it has been hard to ignore the increased reporting of hate crimes in local and international media. With every passing day there seems to more examples of crime motivated seemingly only out of hatred for who or what the person is. Today we are supposed to be living in a more racially diverse, economically stable and socially inclusive society so why are hate crimes increasing? In this essay I will attempt to explain and analyse the growing hate crime problem in our society. What is a hate crime? Who carries them out? What motivates individuals and groups in society to carry out these attacks? What are the underlying sociological explanations for these attacks?
             Firstly it is important to give a definition of what a hate crime is. According to the American Psychological Association a hate crime can be defined as 'violent acts against people, property, or organizations because of the group to which they belong or identify with.' (1) Hate crime is committed against a number of different people and groups because of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Everyday gays, lesbians, transgenders, religious minorities and ethnic groups are subjected to physical and psychological damage due solely to who and what they are. The vast majority (70%) of all hate crimes are physical attacks committed against individuals and range from assault to murder. 30% are attacks against person's properties and include robbing, vandalizing, destroying, stealing, or setting fire to vehicles, homes, stores, or places of worship. (1)
             Hate crimes lead to double victimization in that the crime takes place on two levels. Firstly the victims have received personal injury or their property has been damaged. However secondly the victim is attacked psychologically as the person's identity is being attacked. The victim cannot even console themselves to the fact that the attack could have happened to anyone and they we...