Rumors spread and victims and perpetrators get the wrong message.
Since Hitler's Germany, silence has been recognized as hate's greatest ally. The lesson was relearned in the 1980s and 1990s in many American states faced with the new white supremacists and militia groups. In many cases, hate escalated and became not just a public relations nightmare, but also a deadly threat to individuals and the civic order. Vigorous prosecution also encourages the public to stand up against hate. A strong public statement by political leaders.