Opposing Viewpoints Series - Hate Groups (hardcover edition) [Hardcover]

Brenda Stalcup (Editor), Tamara L. Roleff (Editor), Mary E. Williams (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Opposing Viewpoints Series | Publication Date: August 18, 1998

Black church burnings, the rise of militias, and other developments have raised concern about the spread of racist organizations. Tentative chapters include: Do Certain Groups Promote Hate and Violence? Are Hate Crimes a Serious Problem? (20020801)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 7-12. The latest Opposing Viewpoints Digest poses three basic questions about hate groups and hate speech (Are these groups a problem? Should hate speech be restricted? Are hate crimes laws necessary?) before unveiling documented pro and con essays that explore each question's complexities. Roleff's crisp, journalistic writing combines anecdotes and facts in a dense, but easily readable style. The questions are as emotional as they are legal and political, but she stays focused on the facts, clarifying issues without oversimplifying them. Readers will quickly see that the same incidents and statistics can be interpreted to bolster arguments on either side: hate groups are not a problem because the number of groups is dwindling; hate groups are a problem because their overall membership numbers are rising. Her book is a model for persuasive essay writing and an excellent starting point for a debater's position paper, further strengthened by back matter that includes excerpts from the Bill of Rights, relevant legislation, and official statements from hate groups. A list of organizations and a detailed bibliography are also appended. Randy Meyer
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Review

"Long-standing series about controversial contemporary issues continue(s) to turn out exceptional titles. Greenhaven's Opposing Viewpoints presents multiple perspectives on hot topics such as abortion, the death penalty, and censorship through excerpts from primary materials ranging from speeches to cartoons."
-- Booklist (October 2001) (Booklist 20020615)

"The format and approach are identical to other titles in the series; both sides of a particular issue are explored in depth. Each essay is prefaced by questions that will help students focus their reading and each chapter concludes with suggestions for further reading and research. Students will find the articles helpful in examining these controversial and often emotional issues."
-- School Library Journal (August 2002) (School Library Journal 20020601)

"As usual for books in this series, there are plenty of follow-up sources for students to pursue."
-- Booklist (June 2002) (Booklist 20020501)

"The language is understandable but not simplistic, the pieces are clearly titles for easy identification, and a few cartoons and charts break up the dense text. This unbiased collection is a welcome resource for researchers and debaters."
-- School Library Journal (June 2002) (School Library Journal 20020501)

"Written by educators, scientists, journalists, doctors, veterinarians, members of the clergy and advocates. This excellent volume will elicit group discussion and help to develop critical thinking and analysis of sensitive issues."
-- School Library Journal (May 2002) (School Library Journal 20020415)

"This supplemental reader is perfect for getting students involved in discussion. The resulting debates are sure to reinforce any primary readings and will breathe life into any standard lecture oriented course. This supplement is a useful tool for instructors to get students involved."
-- Crime and Justive International (May 2002) (UNKNOWN 20020401)

"As always in the Opposing Viewpoints series, there are voices from many sides of the debate."
-- Booklist (April 2002) (Booklist 20020401)

"Most present clear, fact-supported points that readers will find valuable for speeches and reports. Editorial cartoons, anectdotes, and statistics break up the essays, make reading easier. This is a well-balanced approach to the issues, argued with studied analysis rather than bind emotion."
-- Booklist (April 2002) (Booklist 20020401)

"This series is invaluable for preparing students for debates, classes, or research assignments. Opposing Viewpoints books help prepare high school students for critical thinking and make them aware of issues that affect society today. Recommended."
-- The Book Report (March-April 2002) (Book Report 20020215)

"Most useful in schools with religion and/or philosophy courses, but should also appeal to general readers."
-- School Library Journal (April 2002) (School Library Journal 20010915)

"Well-balanced collection of essays. Sometimes complementary, sometimes contradictory, the many views clearly articulated here make this volume an excellent starting place for any thoughtful discussion."
-- Booklist (Febraury 2002) (Booklist )

"This Opposing Viewpoints selection uses essays that swing wildly toward extremes to cover the topic. The writing becomes even more heated in the following sections...The shocking arguments and sometimes-blatant absurdity makes nearly all the essays compelling reading, wth students needing only a glimpse at an article's title to determine tone and subjectivity of the author. Most essays are short, get right to the core of their arguments, and blast readers with examples that fit the emotional topic."
-- Booklist (September 2001) (Booklist )

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Greenhaven Press; 1 edition (August 18, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565109430
• ISBN-13: 978-1565109438
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,185,590 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A good volume in the series, November 25, 2005

By 

Charles Sutherland (Indy, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hate Groups - P (Opposing Viewpoints Digests) (Paperback)

The Opposing Viewpoints series is a good series for students and others who are working on some of the hot button issues of today. Each volume contains essays and articles that explore the issues thoroughly from several different angles. Sometimes there are two clear sides, but sometimes it is a bit more nuanced.

This particular volume deals with Hate Groups. The issues explored within the volume include the controversy over whether or not certain groups promote hate and violence, and whether or not they constitute a problem. Hate groups are usually tied to issues of free speech, among other rights, and the pros and cons of this as well as internet presence is explored. Finally, the issue of hate crime laws is covered, both pro and con, as well as the constitutional status of penalty enhancement laws due to hate crime violations.

Overall, this is a very good beginners book to the issue. It helps to set the guidelines for debate and discussion. There is an appendix with facts about hate groups, documents that pertain to the issue, and further reading suggestions. The author, Tamara Roleff, is a writer and former newspaper reporter, and editor of several texts for Greenhaven Press.