Why do teens and young adults commit hate crimes?
Prejudice is at the heart of all hate crimes. Although most prejudiced individuals do not commit hate crimes, prejudice is a key motivation for those who do. The majority of people who commit hate crimes are not members of organized hate groups, although they may be influenced by their propaganda. Instead, they are individuals who believe negative stereotypes about groups and act on impulse. Their prejudice blinds them to the immorality of what they are doing. The majority are “thrill seekers” who randomly target members of minority groups for harassment and violence. They often do this out of boredom, seeking some excitement. They may also be trying to impress their peers or prove their toughness. Others feel that members of a group are a threat to their way of life, neighborhood, place of work, or economic well-being, and hence attack them. Their violence is meant to send a message and to spread fear and intimidation among all members of the group A very small percentage of people wh
