NPFH - Pyramid of Hate

Objectives

This lesson will introduce you to the Pyramid of Hate, an Anti-Defamation League concept and activity that demonstrates how the seeds of bias, once planted, can grow quickly from biased ideas to discrimination and acts of violence. This lesson will enable you to: - Explore and recognize the impact of different types of bias-based behavior across the Pyramid of Hate. - Strategize how to interrupt different types of biased behaviors.

Understanding the pyramid of hate

Biased Attitudes - Level 1

Bias is a preference for or against an individual or group that affects fair judgements.

Biased Attitudes: Biased Thinking Stereotyping Fear of Differences

Biased Attitude Examples

Stereotypical Thinking Taking mental shortcuts that associate certain identities and characteristics such as, "Men are good leaders," or "Poor people are lazy." These stereotypes come from the world around us in the form of messages that take root in our brain.

Echo Chambers Creating a social media "echo chamber" by following only the people who have identities similar to our own (based on race, religion, ability, socio-economic status, etc.) This habit can reinforce our own identities, but it can also lead to viewing other identity groups in harmful ways.

Intent vs. Impact We all have biases, so at some point, all of us have said or done something hurtful based on our biases. We might be quick to say, "That's not what I meant" after learning that our biases caused harm, but acknowledging the impact of our biases on other people is far more important than our intention. Focusing only on our intentions can cause even more harm.

Acts of Bias - Level 2

Acts of Bias Non- Inclusive Language Insensitive remarks Slurs/Epithets Microaggressions Bullying Dehumanization

Acts of Bias Examples

Stereotypes Online Sharing internet memes, images, statements, and "jokes" about groups of people on social media spreads quickly and widely reinforces harmful stereotypes. Liking, reposting, and commenting means that even more people will see it. Instead, let your friends know you don't think it's funny and report stereotypes, slurs, and biased content.

Name Calling and Slurs There are hurtful names associated with nearly every identity group. While some names are used more often and some are more shocking than others, all name calling and slurs dehumanize the targeted group. Even when presented as a "joke," these names are damaging and make people seem less human. Instead, choose language that respects the dignity of others and emphasizes our humanity.

Systemic Discrimination - Level 3

Systemic Discrimination The denial of justice and fair treatment in many areas including: Employment Education Housing Banking Political Rights

Systemic discrimination examples

Food Deserts Low income communities often have fewer supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers markets compared to higher income areas. This means low income families have limited access to fresh and healthy food, leaving junk food and highly processed food as the only option which can negatively impact their health. These trends, bases on a combination of factors. indicate systemic discrimination.

Gender and Race Wage Gaps You may have seen data showing that women are paid less than men for the same work. Many types of different discrimination contribute to this inequity. For women who are Black, Latina, and Indigenous, the gap is even wider. Systemic discrimination causes even more harm when it involves overlapping forms of oppression, such as sexism and racism.

BIas-Motivated Violence - Level 4

Bias-Motivated Violence Vandalism Assault Desecration Arson Threats Terrorism Rape Murder

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Bias-Motivated Violence Example

Mass Shootings These mass shootings are examples of bias-motivated violence. In each case, the attackers targeted specific identity groups based on biases which they held and which are widespread in society. Attacks were aimed at: Latinx people and people of immigrant origin at the Walmart in El Paso, Texas in 2019 Jewish people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2018 LGBTQ+ people at the Pulse NightClub in Orlando, Florida in 2016

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Genocide - Top Level

Genocide The act or intent to purposefully and planfully kill an entire group of people based on their identity.

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Understanding the pyramid of hate

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Pyramid of Allyship

An ally is someone who speaks out on behalf of or takes actions that are supportive of someone who is targeted by bias or bullying.

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Pyramid of Allyship Examples

Biased Attitudes: How To Be An Ally

• Follow diverse and disagreeing voices on social media
• Think of situational explanations over stereotypical ones
• Observe your thought patterns for biases
• Challenge the stereotypes you have by asking yourself where they come from
• Do your own research about marginalization and privilege
• Push yourself to explore media that includes identity groups other than your own

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Pyramid of Allyship Examples

Acts of Bias: How To Be An Ally

• Report harassment and biased posts on social media
• Say something, for example "Ouch," when you hear slurs even if you are not the target
• Extend invitations to people outside your social circle
• Ask a targeted person how you can support them
• Go with a targeted student to get help from a trusted adult
• Educate yourself about more inclusive and accurate language about groups of people
• Get involved in school-wide efforts to prevent bullying

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Pyramid of Allyship Examples

Systemic Discrimination: How To Be An Ally

• Diversify your media (i.e. film, TV, books, etc.)
• Vote for candidates that support equal pay and criminal justice reform
• Shop at businesses led by women and people of color
• Support farmers markets in areas with a lack of fresh, healthy foods (i.e. food deserts)
• Engage in activism around police-related deaths of Black and Latino men
• Advocate for increased early voting and voter registration
• Become a fair housing advocate
• Contact book publishers and advocate for more diverse adult and children's literature

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Pyramid of Allyship Examples

Bias-Motivated Violence : How To Be An Ally

• Raise funds for rebuilding houses of worship and communities
• Attend solidarity vigils and events
• Document and report hate-biased vandalism
• Take threats of violence seriously
• Advocate for more inclusive hate crime laws (i.e. based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity
• Help to provide security to places of worship

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Pyramid of Allyship Examples

Genocide: How To Be An Ally

• Advocate for aid and/or sanctions through contacting representatives and United Nations
• Raise funds or collect supplies for refugees (through a credible organization
• Advocate for media attention on the crisis
• Educate students about genocide so young people can be advocates

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the pyramid of hate

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