Why We Hate

... an excellent and timely analysis of the roots of hatred, bigotry, and violence among nations and within societies. It draws skillfully from recent conflicts and offers valuable inights in dealing more effectively with the terrorist threats we face today. - United States Senator Edward M. KennedyHate is something that has always been with us. The difference today is that we recognize it and are attempting to understand it. What this book is primarily about, however, is hope - the hope that we can learn from the remarkable work of individuals and communities that have confronted hate and done something about it. -Michael Dukakis, Former Governor of Massachusetts, and Former Presidential CandidateProvocative and well-written, this book is recommended for all public and academic libraries. -Library JournalLevin and Rabrenovic have put together a well-written, well-researched and disturbing study of the violence in human nature. Rarely have I seen research that assembles so many recent examples of atrocities and religious, cultural and ethnic animosity in one book. As a student of the sociological foundation of violence and the burgeoning world of terrorism and nation-based hatred, I found the book a compelling read and research tool. As a member of the human species, I was glad to see examples of communities who have risen above the violence. The book lends a reader the possibility of hope. -Gary Fields, Wall Street Journal crime, terrorism and homeland security reporterExpressions of hate are an almost daily feature of the evening news, from the mayhem unleashed by suicide bombers in Israel to the unimaginable destruction of the Twin Towers. And since September 11, Americans have repeatedly asked themselves, Why do they hate us? 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.These highly regarded authors will reveal their new original findings on hate among Americans as well as the media''s role in contributing to hate. They will also consider the phenomena of anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism before and after September 11, in addition to anti-Muslim sentiments in the wake of the Twin Towers attack. Also discussed are 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.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