HATE.COM (EXTREMISTS ON THE NET)-HBO

Overview of Hate on the Internet

• Increasing number of hate groups online since the first hate site was launched in 1995 (Stormfront).

• The internet acts as a powerful recruiting ground for hate groups, reaching millions easily.

• Hate groups leverage anonymity and low cost to spread their messages.

Stormfront and its Founder

• Stormfront: First major hate site.

  • Founded by Don Black, who views it as a platform to promote white supremacy.

  • Claims to counter Jewish influence in media.

  • Describes the internet as a unique opportunity for reaching a vast audience.

• Black’s rhetoric includes references to "racial holy war" and the objective of racial segregation.

  • Advocates for the expansion of the white race and denounces multiculturalism.

Recruitment Tactics

• Hate groups now target youth through websites aimed at children.

• Use of racist content like comics and games to attract youngsters without parental supervision.

• Anonymity provided by the internet allows individuals to engage with hate ideologies discreetly.

• The appeal of these sites often caters to tech-savvy, college-educated individuals disillusioned with mainstream society.

Individual Extremists and Violence

• The rise of "lone wolf" attacks encouraged by hate group ideologies.

  • Individuals commit acts of violence without direct orders from group leaders, often rationalizing actions through group teachings.

• Example cases:

  • Benjamin Smith: Connected with the World Church of the Creator; involved in a violent spree targeting minorities after feeling frustrated by a denied law license.

  • Matthew Williams: Believed to have murdered a gay couple; justified violent actions by a perceived mission from God.

  • Eric Rudolph: Infamous for multiple bombings; viewed as a hero among white supremacists.

  • Buford Furrow: Responsible for a shooting at a Jewish daycare, motivated by extremist ideology.

Ideological Foundations

• Christian Identity and its emphasis on violence as a means to an end.

• Leaders like Richard Butler of Aryan Nations promote a worldview that sees annihilation of certain groups (e.g., Jews, minorities) as a divine duty.

• William Pierce’s Influence:

  • Author of the "Turner Diaries," which serves as a blueprint for many violent acts.

  • Encourages followers to take drastic actions to preserve the white race.

Impact of the Internet on Hate Crimes

• Facilitates connection and communication among extremists, allowing for rapid dissemination of hateful ideologies.

• Provides access to resources for creating violence, thereby increasing the risk of hate crimes.

• Many offenders involved in hate crimes or terrorism cite their beliefs as being significantly influenced by online content.

Conclusion

• The internet serves as a double-edged sword; while it enables connection and information access, it also fosters hate and violence.

• The ultimate aim of many hate groups is to incite violence and create upheaval within society to establish a racially homogenous America.