The blame for the increase in hate crimes against homosexuals is difficult to pinpoint. However, it is fairly easy to conclude that hateful feelings toward others develop at a young age. Kids learn to hate who their family, community, and leaders hate. A survey conducted by the National Education Association in 1996 reported that between nine and ten percent of high school students are gay. These reports would indicate that two to three students in nearly every class at HHS identify themselves as homosexual.
High school is a prime example showing the roots of hate crime.
Although everyone knows that these words are offensive, rarely does someone speak up and say that it is wrong. Silence is consent, and by not trying to stop gay bashing at its earliest stages, it progresses into brutal physical abuse. Two recent local events exemplify how prevalent name-calling and harassment exists in local society. Tom Bamard, a morning disc jockey on the KQRS radio station made racist remarks against Hmong people. Additionally, eight students from Anoka High School were suspended from school for taunting and teasing a student who was dating an African- American.