Racism, Hatred, and Bigotry Are Not Mental Health Issues

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Hate crimes are regrettably prevalent in our society. These actions—characterized by the targeting, discriminating, or intimidating of individuals based on their race, sexual orientation, or religion—occur far too often. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Justice, there were 7,314 incidents of hate crimes in 2019, amounting to 8,559 offenses. This means countless individuals have suffered or died simply for existing as who they are. This is absolutely unacceptable.

There is no place in our world for bigotry, misogyny, sexism, racism, or homophobia. The ignorance that fuels hatred towards those who are “different” is alarming. We must also distinguish between mental health disorders and acts of cruelty and violence. It’s time to stop attributing hate crimes to mental illness, as depression does not transform individuals into aggressors.

Racism, hatred, and bigotry are not mental health conditions.

You might be wondering: How can this be? It seems that violence and mental instability are often connected. After all, “normal” individuals don’t harm others; they don’t go on shooting sprees or commit brutal attacks. However, blaming mental illness for such actions unfairly stigmatizes those who struggle with mental health issues and diverts attention from the root causes of criminal behavior.

Just because we cannot comprehend a criminal’s mindset does not mean it is a “sick” mind. It is simply a criminal mind, and we must recognize that. As Jonathan Metz, a professor at Vanderbilt University, points out, many factors unrelated to mental illness can be predictive of criminal behavior, such as access to firearms, substance abuse, and prior histories of violence. Domestic abuse and hatred also play significant roles.

The American Psychological Association notes that hate crimes are an extreme manifestation of prejudice, often exacerbated by social and political upheaval. Offenders may feel threatened by demographic changes, leading them to act out of fear, ignorance, or anger rather than outright hatred.

While some criminals may have mental health issues, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that “the vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else.” In fact, only 3-5% of violent acts can be linked to individuals with serious mental illnesses. Moreover, those with severe mental health conditions are over ten times more likely to be victims of violence than the general population.

Approximately 18% of the population experiences some form of mental health disorder, meaning around one billion people live with conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. I am one of those individuals. Yet, I do not harbor hatred based on race, sexual orientation, or religion. Like many others with mental health challenges, I am empathetic, not aggressive. Thus, mental health issues do not incite barbaric behavior or hatred.

Despite the evidence, our society continues to link hate crimes and mass shootings to mental illness, further marginalizing those in need of support. We often ignore the underlying issues that drive such actions—intolerance and discrimination—because discussing them can be uncomfortable.

It is crucial that we confront these challenging topics. We must stop condoning racist, misogynistic, and bigoted behaviors, even if they seem minor, like an offhand comment or a questionable joke. The true root of hate crimes is hate itself. The solution lies in fostering empathy and humanity, actively supporting marginalized groups, and embracing love—lots of love.

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In summary, hate crimes stem from deep-seated hatred, not mental illness. By recognizing this distinction, we can better address the roots of intolerance and work towards a more inclusive society.