Exposing Hate

February 15, 2019
A look at the history of U.S. hate groups and their activities.Charting the hatred baked into U.S. history, the text explores religious intolerance in Colonial America, slavery, Jim Crow, and anti-Semitism, among other topics. Examples of anti-immigrant bias include the over 2 million Mexican-Americans, mostly citizens, deported from the U.S. in the early 20th century. Anti-Chinese bias is mentioned but not the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II or targeted legislation to exclude Asian immigration. Homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, and male supremacy movements are also described. An enlightening discussion traces the history of laws against and prosecution of hate crimes and explains why the U.S. does not define hate crimes as domestic terrorism, a choice that's been questioned and criticized because tools and resources for prosecuting terrorism are far stronger than for hate crimes. President Donald Trump's racial and ethnic slurs, demeaning of women, and efforts to limit Muslim and Latin American immigration are called out. Access to firearms by hate groups is not mentioned. Portraits of white supremacy hate groups and anecdotes about resistance come across as glib. The heavy focus on individuals and groups of private citizens works against depth by limiting the exploration of institutional structures and policies that support inequality and fuel hatred, a particularly glaring oversight when considering the scant treatment of Indigenous peoples in this work.A useful, timely, if superficial, survey. (glossary, notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2019
Grades 9-12 This well-documented, thoroughly researched volume deftly defines hate groups before examining the top hate groups in the country, as defined by the Southern Poverty Law Center. It discusses recent crimes that have garnered national attention, like the killing of Heather Heyer at the Unite the Right rally. In addition, the text focuses on what organizations are doing to resist and reform members of hate groups. Hate groups are often like cults (and, within some religions, there are similar extremist groups) that prevent people from leaving. For students doing research, the book offers a wealth of back matter, including cited sources and term definitions that further learning about prejudice and its violent results. The book does not sensationalize; it just gives solid facts on how injustices are committed due to ignorance, fear, and misinformation. Stories of how people have reformed after interacting with those they have learned to hate give the factual text emotional heft. A necessary book on a hot-button social issue that can help students develop critical thinking skills while they learn more about heinous organizations.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2019
Miller explores the rise in hate groups and related crimes in the United States. Supported by well-captioned photos, graphs, and sidebars, the straightforward text provides the legal definition of a hate group, discusses the evolution of hate groups, and touches on historical context. Though an adequate overview, the analysis is oversimplified, giving the impression that the rise in extremism is only a phenomenon since the 2016 election. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)