In a heartfelt tribute, Casa Círculo Cultural honors victims of hate crimes with a captivating altar against hate at the San Mateo County History Museum during the Day of the Dead in Redwood City, California. This moving ofrenda is a powerful symbol of remembrance and collective determination to stand against the destructive forces of hate.
Hate is a strong, intense feeling of extreme hostility toward a person, group, or idea. It often arises from deeply rooted prejudices, fears or negative perceptions in society.
The social construction of hatred is a phenomenon that involves the development, perpetuation and reinforcement of negative attitudes, stereotypes and behaviours aimed at exercising power and control over certain individuals or groups within a society. This construction of hatred often has its origin in the desire for domination.
Its aim is to establish power over specific groups through division, dehumanization and exploitation. Hate often employs tactics such as differentiating between us and “the others” (the good guys and the “others”), perpetuating discrimination, violence and fear.
Understanding where hate comes from is essential to combating it, as it requires awareness, education and the dismantling of oppressive structures to foster an inclusive and empathetic society.
Manifestations of hatred against specific groups are revealed in micro doses of discrimination in our society, but frequently lead to extreme situations such as acts of violence.
The altar of Casa Circulo CulturalAdorned with the vibrant color of cempasúchil flowers, flickering candles, and intricate papel picado, the cempasúchil serves as a sanctuary for reflection and remembrance. Known as the “flower of the dead” in Mexican culture, the cempasúchil symbolizes the fragility of life and the cycle of death.
Today, hate has a profoundly destructive impact on human lives. Hate speech, hate crimes and prejudice leave indelible scars on our shared humanity.
The names and photographs on this altar represent lives, families and communities forever altered by the destructive forces of discrimination and intolerance, including Lori Gilbert-Kaye, Anthony Lowe Jr. and many others. Their stories, their faces and their memories are preserved as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of hate.
With candles, a symbol of hope and the light of understanding in the face of darkness, victims of hate crimes are not forgotten, but celebrated for the love they brought to the world.
George Floyd symbolises a powerful catalyst for change and an icon of the urgent need to address racial injustice and police brutality. His tragic death under the knee of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2020 sparked a global movement against racism. His story highlights the urgent need for institutional reform and addressing systemic racism. Likewise, the story of Anthony Lowe Jr., a wheelchair-bound man killed by California police for carrying a knife in January 2023, is a stark reminder of the violence that disproportionately affects young African Americans in the United States, and underscores the pressing need for change to combat racial bias.
Lori Gilbert-Kaye's life was tragically cut short in a horrific act of violence at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in California. Her story is a poignant reminder of the deadly consequences of hate, as she was singled out simply for her faith.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza is a clear example of the terrible consequences of hatred on a large scale. This long-running conflict has claimed countless innocent lives and inflicted deep wounds on the Palestinian and Israeli community. The suffering of those caught in the fire, besieged by the genocide of an entire people, highlights the urgency of stopping hatred.
The case of six-year-old Wadea Al Fayoume, who was stabbed 26 times by a person who proclaimed: “You Muslims must die” underlines the importance of addressing discrimination against the Muslim community. Hate speech, discrimination and violence against people like Wadea have no place in a just and equitable society.
The San Francisco Bay Area is a place where we live as a multiplicity of people, of different ethnicities, religions, orientations, and this makes this environment a valuable place especially because of our differences. It takes the collective effort of governments, communities, civil society, and individuals to achieve a significant impact in preventing and addressing hate crimes. Our efforts must be dedicated to building a society where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and equality.
The altar is not only a place of mourning, but also of celebration. In keeping with the spirit of the Day of the Dead, Casa Círculo Cultural's offering sends a resounding message: there is no room for hatred in our community and we must remain united against it and discrimination.
This publication was supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, ayou administeredred by the CaliFornia State Library.
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