Why We Hate

About this book

In this in-depth look at the most troubling aspect of human nature a prominent nationally recognized criminologist who is a leader in his field and a respected sociologist seek to explain why hate exists and offer practical methods for creating a more peaceable society.Are we born with a propensity to hate or is it something we learn? Does educating people necessarily reduce hate? Looking at biological psychological and cultural factors Drs. Levin and Rabrenovic investigate the evidence for hate as an inborn trait as learned behavior and as a reaction to envy frustration or the need for belonging control and authority.The topics include the medias role in contributing to hate anti-Americanism anti-Semitism anti-Muslim sentiments domestic terrorism and "organized hate" in the form of white supremacist and civilian militia groups. Finally in surveying the many trouble spots around the world where hate is manifest they describe a series of inspiring situations that show surprising cooperation between ethnic groups who have transcended hate and the authors explain how they achieved it.Both enlightening and insightful this momentous and timely work offers hope that civilized human beings can come to grips with an age-old problem.