Bullying and harassment in schools are making daily headlines. Tea Party members are heard using racial and homophobic epithets. Hate crimes are on the rise. It seems that the world is filled with anger and angry action."What are you gonna do?"
A group of teenagers in Nassau County (New York) helped create a 12-minute video for their police department in order to educate other teens about hate crimes and to encourage them to choose more positive action. Called Hate: Crossing the Line the video features 39 teens from around the county, who outline what exactly a hate crime is, the consequences of committing a hate crime, and why it's important not to cross from having the freedom to think whatever you want to think to causing harm to a person or group because of who they are of what they believe.
The film offers several examples of hate crimes (graphic images and language are included), and though the film was created specifically to educate teens in Nassau County, it is relevant and useful for educating teens everywhere.
Use this video as a tool to talk about "-ism" issues in your own community.
~ Marsha
Image courtesy of k763 via Creative Commons.
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