The attacks typically have resulted in changes becoming more cosmetic than substantive. Denial is woven into the fabric of our society. The comforting illusion for many non-targeted groups is that bigotry stems from a few weirdos residing on the margins of society. Truth is many people are complicit with the maintenance and perpetuation of hatred. Hate-filled attacks on people who are different are based on judgments about skin color, national origin, the ability to speak English with or without an accent, religion, sexual orientation, gender, physical ability.
Children learn early upon whom they are to vent their anger.
They learn what categories of people are devalued as less than human as they listen to their parents and caregivers. The church's role The church has been too silent about hate for too long. More is needed than commiseration with those victimized. We must do more than voice our sorrow from time to time. Too many treat each tragedy as an aberration.