Question O

[Jonetta]

Once Bryant and Dawson realize they’re looking at potential hate crimes, they go visit Fred Windsor, a detective inspector at headquarters who is an expert in hate crimes based on his time undercover with a hate group. He outlines the sectors of hate groups that go far beyond the typical stereotypes (i.e., neo-Nazis). Did you learn anything? Had you defined hate groups using the normal stereotypes?

[Sharon]

I learned a lot. I always felt that any crime could be labeled a hate crime. I'm not sure that I defined hate crimes using the normal stereotypes, because I thought hate crimes is the term of the moment. Many criminals/murderers are filled with hate for one reason or another. I am thinking about everything in this story and trying to wrap my head around it.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I felt we were getting some of the author's perspective around the subject of this particular novel. As a young gay woman I'm sure she has felt at times the disapproval of some segments of society even as we move forward with anti discrimination laws and equal rights. There was certainly a lot to think about.

[Lynn]

Oh yes, there was a lot of information there. I applaud Angela Marsons and her research into this issue.

[Robin]

The whole subject was enlightening. There was a lot of stuff that I didn't know.

[Jonetta]

Marsons presented the hate crime definitions from the view of the law and law enforcement, which is important. We might embrace a broader definition but what counts is what’s punishable by law.

I found it extremely enlightening, especially the group demographic categories that are considered members of hate groups. For me, the better I understand these groups, the better able I’m able to recognize and hear them. Rather than summarily dismissing them, I’ll pay better attention before their speech and behavior rise to extreme levels.

Still troubled deeply by this story.