Coming together to combat hate in local communities

This is the Anti-Defamation League’s Pyramid of Hate.

Hate. It’s a four-letter word that seems to be everywhere.

Education is the answer. At least that was the consensus at the Nov. 14 Chico Area Interfaith Council’s annual dinner.

While this isn’t a group I would naturally have gravitated toward, I’m glad mom needed a driver that evening.

Education about hate comes in many forms. It’s also necessary for all ages. After all, hate is a learned behavior so it can also be unlearned. Kids at an early age are bullies and bullied. Sometimes they know what they are saying and doing is wrong, other times they have no concept of the pain they are inflicting.

Calling people out—as in speaking up—is one way to combat hate. Yes, it’s difficult. But as Ghandi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

It’s about educating people about how their words and actions are hurtful and often hateful.

It’s as simple and as powerful as California on Nov. 15 saying the word s – – – – will be removed from all streets, bridges, buildings and cemeteries around the state by Jan. 1. Most likely the word will be replaced with an acceptable indigenous word.

Palisades Tahoe ski resort, where the 1960 Olympics were near Lake Tahoe, was renamed in 2022 after being S – – – – Valley for decades.

This change is necessary because of how this word affects others. It’s about being respectful. It’s about learning how the words we use are felt by others. Words matter. So do actions.

It’s not about matching hate with hate. That never works. In fact sometimes it’s better to just walk away than engage a person who is spitting out venom.

The Interfaith Council received a state grant to focus on curtailing hate. The goal is to reach beyond Chico and to the greater North State. Fifteen second ads will air between now and the end of January before films at the local movie theater.

It shows a teenager talking about being bullied, and that it’s up to adults to ask questions, not for him to come forward. Got that adults. Kids need to feel safe. It’s up to us to ensure they are. It’s up to us ask the questions.

At the dinner Lisa Rappaport, rabbi at congregation Beth Israel; Eileen Brown, police chaplain; and Hilary Crosby from the Susanville Indian Rancheria were the panelists speaking about the hate they have seen and how to combat it. Then each table—there about 10 with eight people at each—talked among themselves about how to diffuse hate.

While the topic wasn’t uplifting, the desire of everyone in that room to make at least their community more full of love could be felt.

After all, love trumps hate.