University of Leicester’s Centre for Hate Studies produces short animated film urging members of the public not to turn a blind eye when witnessing acts of hate and hostility.
The animated film, entitled I Can’t Ignore Hate Crime: Can You?, showcases the stories of four victims of hate crime whose experiences have been made worse when witnesses have walked on by or ignored their suffering without offering to help.
The short film, which was produced in association with Seed Creativity, is designed to highlight ways in which we can all support hate crime victims without putting ourselves at any risk.
Rather than placing the responsibility to report on the individual victim, the animation illustrates what bystanders, frontline practitioners and organisations can do to support victims more effectively.
To view the film, click here:
The Centre for Hate Studies is also asking people to tweet their own ideas on how to challenge hate using the hashtag #myresponse2hate.
Dr Stevie-Jade Hardy, Lecturer at the Centre for Hate Studies, said: “Hate crimes often take place in everyday locations: in public streets, in supermarkets, on public transport. For victims, seeing bystanders rushing past or turning a blind eye can contribute to a heightened sense of victimisation and isolation. We produced the animated film to capture this in a way that was hard-hitting and to make people think about their own actions.”
Professor Neil Chakraborti, Director of the Centre for Hate Studies, explained: “We all have a collective responsibility to do whatever we can to challenge hate and prejudice. Research evidence shows that hate crimes can cause enormous damage to victims, and this animated film has been created to highlight practical, safe and straightforward steps that we can take to offer support.”
In 2014 the University of Leicester produced an award-winning film, The Harms of Hate, showcasing stories of seven people who have been victims of hate crimes in Leicester, all of whom come from a range of backgrounds and who have been victimised for different reasons and in a variety of ways. ‘
To view The Harms of Hate, click here:
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