The State of Hate

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Oren Segal is Director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism, which combats extremism, terrorism and all forms of hate in the real world and online.  Recognized as the foremost authority on extremism, the Center provides resources, expertise and training which enables law enforcement, public officials and internet and technology companies to identify and counter emerging threats.

Introduction

“The State of Hate in America” features a conversation with Oren Segal, Director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism.

This conversation was presented as part of UCI Confronting Extremism, a campus-wide initiative led by the Office of Inclusive Excellence.  Confronting Extremism seeks to harness our university’s mission of teaching, research, and public service to address issues in society and to fortify the UCI community.  The initiative has three priority areas:

  • Confronting the denial of our common humanity
  • Confronting the denial of science
  • Broadening critical inquiry through course experiences

Confronting Extremism aligns with the UC Regents’ “Statement of Principles Against Intolerance.”  In this statement, the Regents reaffirm the University of California’s long-standing view that “acts of hatred and other intolerant conduct, as well as acts of discrimination that demean our differences, are antithetical to the values of the University and serve to undermine its purpose.”  The Regents also recognize that “freedom of expression and freedom of inquiry are paramount” and that the “University will vigorously defend the principles of the First Amendment.”

Discussion Questions

“Confronting Extremism: The State of Hate in America”

The purpose of Confronting Extremism is to advance the campus commitment to inclusive excellence.  In this presentation, Oren Segal examines “where hate is” in America today – both online and on the ground. 

  • In his introductory remarks to Segal’s talk, why does Vice Chancellor Douglas Haynes suggest we must “lean in” as a community – not turn away or inward – when faced with a hate crime?
  • According to Segal, what is the role of social media in growing extremism today? What examples are given to illustrate this point?
  • How does Segal describe white nationalism today? With this description in mind, why would white nationalists oppose diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives?
  • In Segal’s view, what made the Charlottesville “Unite the Right” rally possible? And what are the most effective ways to combat this form of modern extremism?
  • In his concluding remarks, Vice Chancellor Haynes offers three salient takeaways. How might one operationalize these to combat forms of extremism today?

In this lecture, Oren Segal suggests strategies for confronting extremism in our time.

  • In what ways might Segal’s presentation provide a model for confronting the denial of our common humanity?
  • How might this presentation align with UCI’s commitment to an inclusive climate for all students, staff, and faculty?

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