The New Lexicon of Hate

Do we know what stickers our children are putting on their notebooks and school lockers? Do we know the symbolism of tattoos or drawings and what they stand for? Twelve years ago, when my then first-grader came home with a swastika painted on his hand, I told him the significance of this ugly symbol. But I would not know the hundreds of symbols used today by various hate groups, gangs, Skinheads, militia groups, Christian Identity Movements and other extremists.

Right now, in Reno, there is a concerted effort by some outsiders to recruit young kids into extremist groups such as the World Church of the Creator. And I understand that they congregate at the US Post Office on Virginia Street for its Nazi-era architecture and swastika-decorated tables.

By bestowing upon themselves the title of "church" or "Christian," these groups seek to create the image that their racism is legitimate and that groups such as Jews, Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans are "mud people" and thus are scorned by God.

Racists and hate mongers make active use of the Internet and hundreds of websites to promote their agenda in slick and "attractive" ways. The Simon Wiesenthal Center of Los Angeles recently published The New Lexicon of Hate that is available to you free of charge by calling 1-310-553-9036. The booklet provides insights into the various branches of Holocaust denial and white supremacist movements. It gives examples of their symbols, slogans, and tattoos—including the unique language used to celebrate or prepare for violent acts. This booklet will help families, law enforcement personnel, the media, the clergy and all concerned citizens to recognize the symbols of bigotry. Order your copy today or email or call the Center at 784-6767 and we’ll order it for you.

Viktoria Hertling