Living in a Social World
Psy 324: Advanced Social Psychology
Miami University

News from a Social Psychology Perspective

These materials may be used for research, study, and education, but please credit the authors and source.

Crimes Against Homosexuals:  A Manifestation of Hate -- April, 1999.   Analysis by Amy Mackey, Carissa Mumy, Liz Stricklen, & Yvette Otterman

Countless examples of prejudice are prevalent in our every day lives. Some examples are subtle, and often go overlooked, while others can not be ignored. In extreme circumstances, these prejudiced attitudes may surface in the form of hate crimes. Laws regarding hate crimes have tended to focus on instances of race, ethnicity, and religion. While these cases of prejudice may be most salient, recent news events have highlighted the growing number of heinous crimes against homosexuals. The February 19 slaying of 39-year-old Billy Gaither in Rockford, Alabama is an illustration of how ignorance can be manifested in the most gruesome of ways. Even more widely publicized was the case of Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student who was beaten to death due to his sexual orientation. Gay advocates have used this tragedy to draw attention to the unfortunate truth that crimes against homosexuals are not covered under hate crime law. Various social psychological principles can be examined to attempt to explain the motivation behind such senseless acts of violence.

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Social Psychology / Miami University (Ohio USA). Last revised: . This document has been accessed   times since 1 Sept 1998.  Comments & Questions to R. Sherman

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