Hate Groups (Issues in Focus) [Library Binding]

Deborah Able (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-This title is thoughtful in its presentation of the considerable and lengthy history of hate groups in the U.S. and in its examination of the complex conflict between protecting freedom of speech and current bias-crime laws. Able probes the causes behind the foundation of these groups and touches on their appeal to young people. She alludes to crimes against women and suggests a connection between the decline of the economy and the rise in their activities. Finally, the author points out that the vast majority of wounds inflicted by acts of bias are wounds to the dignity and spirit of the victims and also to the democratic dreams and principles of equality of American society. Illustrated with average-quality, black-and-white photographs and reproductions, this is an extremely readable and accessible research tool. It is important to note, however, that its coverage of a complicated and disturbing problem is cursory rather than comprehensive. The book will invite discussions and deeper explorations of a topic of great concern to YAs and, as a starting point and overview, is a worthwhile addition.
Doris A. Fong, Benson Polytechnic High School, Portland, OR
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Library Binding edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 8^-12. Gay-bashing incidents, anti-Semitic violence, KKK-style and skinhead-led attacks--these and other examples of hate crimes are on the increase by perpetrators who despise their victims because they are "different." Able traces the hate crime phenomenon through American history, looks at the psychology behind it, and treats the delicate balance of First Amendment rights and "freedom" to hate. A chapter on teens and hate groups and the consideration of rape as a hate crime against women distinguish this work from similar good titles. And though this is not as detailed as Lang's Extremist Groups in America (1990) and Kronenwetter's United They Hate (1992), students will appreciate the accessible format, which marks this and other Issues in Focus titles. Organizations for further information; source notes; bibliography. Anne O'Malley --This text refers to an alternate Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers; Revised edition (August 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076601245X
• ISBN-13: 978-0766012455
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,710,857 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Did she even do /ANY/ Research?, September 17, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Hate Groups (Issues in Focus) (Library Binding)

What she wrote in the book essentially slanders skinheads. Unfortunately, she is simply being a woman of her time - after all, there has been little to no media coverage that has portrayed skinheads as being anything but violent hatemongers and nazi stormtroopers.

Skinheads, in reality, are not by nature racist. The movement was started by Whites as well Jamaican and Carribbean islanders in the late sixties. It didn't start with the White Aryan Brotherhood or the Hammerskins. It started as just a bunch of working-class blokes having a good time.

However, hate and shock sell these days, so making skinheads out do be anything good simply won't make a profit. I think that without a doubt, skinheads have been the most slandered of any subculture to date.