Protection and Rewards of Hate Crimes (Hypothetical Thought Experiment)

Hate is a dangerous thing for any society and can warp institutions quickly if there are no protections against hate mixed with corruption. I'm a big time supporter of the most functioning systems we can create, with good purpose, and excellent officials who work towards the greatest good. Nevertheless, there are times where inappropriate behaviors occur and it is important for systems to have mechanisms to correct. It makes sense from a support, effectiveness and good stewardship of tax dollar dollars.

In this hypothetical thought experiment out group (not exclusive to any race, religion or politic) was targeted for cleansing by a number of corrupted "clan" officials who sought to exploit small difference in order to financially reward their friends. It was found later the group was engaged in all types of other criminal activities but there were no checks and balances, some officials who knew did not act to protect the public (fearful of clan rejection), and the decisions makers of justice continued to reward the perpetrators due to their social affiliations and racial/religious perspectives; often leaning into the extreme realm. As an example negligence comes to mind.

We typically would find this behavior in underdeveloped justice systems in third worlds where hate, racism, bigotries, tribal, religious, clan affiliations, etc. take precedence over the purpose of justice and the professed values of the institution. In the learning hypothetical example targetings continued on for a number of years and were intentionally allowed to continue for ideological reasons. Some were very happy at how quickly and easily they could warp functioning of such systems to their advantage.

Hate crimes do have a serious impact on our environment and they break down trust. Where these things occur you will often find other comingled crimes because it is based in the mindset of those who can justify harming others through exclusionary thinking. Underreported hate crimes, others who complain about preferences in justice outcomes, unwritten target lists, higher crime rates, etc. There are a number of markers of corruption that when put together indicate a potential for inappropriate group behaviors.

All people have value and this is rooted in social contracts, most religions, and our deeper moral conscious (pay attention to this word in future discussions). It is something I was taught when I was young and as I got older I realize that not all people are seen as having value by all people. I lean a little conservative and do not believe God makes mistakes nor that injustice was ever His intent. We as humans can make mistakes and we can correct. All races and religions are appreciated for what they can do and teach humanity. The philosophers of God always taught a higher moral order. Hate crimes and the protection thereof for ideological reasons should be something foreign to our value systems; all value systems. It was written into our artifacts and social contracts. At least from a moral, contractual, spiritual and religious perspective.

Hate Crimes Hurt Some More Than Others: Implications for the Just Sentencing of Offenders

*This is a hypothetical thought experiment that explores hate and corruption.  Take with a grain of salt and feel free to formulate an opinion. It is exploring a line of logic and there may be others so it's an open concept. It is done in a story type format. We can write the ending anyway we want. The biggest thing is that we draw some value from it.

 

Iganski, P., & Lagou, S. (2015). Hate Crimes Hurt Some More Than Others: Implications for the Just Sentencing of Offenders. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(10), 1696-1718. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260514548584