What Does Hate Look Like?

HATE, clearly visible in bold red lettering on the cover, is a powerful word. The introduction begins with examples of how the word is used in everyday language; hating brussels sprouts, hating feeling sick with the flu, or even hating that a sibling borrowed something of yours without asking or getting something that you didn’t. But then it says that “none of this is really hate, because hate, when directed at someone or a group of people, creates an emotional and physical response”.

In What Does Hate Look Like?, children between the ages of eight to fourteen tell their stories of how hate has affected them. While we hear stories in the community, the news and on social media about incidents of hate, racism, and discrimination every day, these narrated stories allow the reader to explore hate through the eyes of other children. It isn’t a comprehensive list of the various types of hate that exist in the world, but it shows real life examples to which young people can relate.

The authors, Sameea Jimenez, Corinne Promislow and Larry Swartz, share their own stories of how hatred affects us in society and in schools. By including the stories of real school children who have been both the victims and the perpetrators of hate-related incidents, readers can see the effects of prejudice, bullying, exclusion and discrimination on us all.

The first chapter describes what hate looks like in real life: symbols, attacks, violence and bullying. The next three chapters provide a glimpse into several forms of hate: racism, antisemitism, homophobia, anti-Indigenous, anti-Black and anti-Asian hate, ableism, Islamophobia, body shaming and others. For each form, the authors provide background information and explanations followed by real youth stories. Throughout the book, purple speech bubbles, “Did you know…”, add further information relating to the text of the stories. Poignant hand-drawn pictures by the youth illustrate the deep feelings connected to the ‘hate’ experience.

The fifth chapter, “How do we move from bystanders to upstanders ?”, and the sixth, “Why should we care?”, challenge the audience, even those who have never been targets of hatred, to do something positive to stop it. Purple text boxes, “What would you do if…”, interspersed throughout the chapters, force readers to consider what actions they might take in each situation. The final chapter gives positive action suggestions on coping with hate, including asking for help and concludes with an action checklist that will help victims of hate, upstanders who witness hate incidents and the people who actually inflict hate.

What Does Hate Look Like? explores a difficult and sensitive topic that continues to grow in its prevalence today. The storytelling format from the perspective of youth who have experienced hate enables young readers to become engaged in thought-provoking discussions that relate to their reality. It is much more than a story sharing session. The final chapters promote awareness followed by action to address all forms of hate.

Although What Does Hate Look Like? can be placed in the school library for individual reading, its impact would be heightened if it is shared within a group setting. The title alone stimulates thought and discussion. Hate is a complex topic, and, although the age range suggested is 9 to 12, it could be used into high school. With teachers, counsellors, or trained personnel as moderators, this book could serve as a springboard for a classroom or school-wide initiative. Storytelling has always been a shared experience and, as such, builds community. Addressing a topic as distasteful as hate could build a stronger, more positive school community where everyone can feel safer.