Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2006, Page 45
The Seven-Stage Hate Model: The Psychopathology of Hate
Groups
John R. Schafer, M.A.
Joe Navarro, M.A.
Abstract
The manifestations of hate are legion, but the hate process itself remains
elusive. Limited research in this field precluded the development of a
comprehensive hate model. Understanding hate groups is essential for the
development and implementation of successful intervention strategies, which
depend on an understanding of the hate process. The proposed hate model
consists of seven stages, including how hate groups define themselves, how
hate groups target their victims and taunt them with verbal insults and
offensive gestures, and how hate groups attack their victims with or without
weapons.1
Definitions of Hate
Hate, a complex subject, divides into two general categories: rational and irrational. Unjust
acts inspire rational hate. Hatred of a person based on race, religion, sexual orientation,
ethnicity, or national origin constitutes irrational hate.
Both rational and irrational hate mask personal insecurities. Everyone experiences personal
insecurities in varying degrees throughout their lives. The more insecure a person feels, the
larger the hate mask. Most people concentrate on the important issues in life, such as
earning a living, rearing a family, and achieving personal goals. These pursuits give
meaning and value to life.2 Nonetheless, irrational hate bleeds through day-to-day activities
in the form of racial barbs and ethnic humor. Not all insecure people are haters, but all
haters are insecure people.
With respect to rational hate, haters do not focus as much on the wrong done to them or
others, but, rather, on their own helplessness, guilt, or inability to effect change. The object
of rational hate often is despised or pitied.3 In the same way, irrational hate elevates the
hater above the hated.4 Many insecure people feel a sense of self-worth by relegating a
person or group of people to a lower status.5
Skinhead Groups
During a 7-year FBI investigation of skinhead groups in Southern California between 1992
and 1999, specific patterns emerged. Skinhead groups typically consist of uneducated,
young, white males between the ages of 13 and 24 who have no long-term prospects for
success. Although many come from single-parent, dysfunctional families, some exceptions
exist. For example, members of the Western Hammerskins in Hemet, California, had high
school educations and came from two-parent, middle-class families. Further examination
revealed that both parents made long, daily commutes to work in Los Angeles and left their
teenage children unsupervised. The lack of parental supervision and guidance spawned
personal insecurities similar to those found in skinheads who come from dysfunctional,
single-parent environments.
Fortunately, most skinhead groups are not well organized and lack the leadership structure
found in the majority of street gangs engaged in ―for-profit‖ criminal activities. However,
the Western Hammerskins group has a stronger leadership hierarchy than most skinhead
groups, and it boasts a very active recruitment program. Potential members receive a
recruitment package, which includes a swastika armband, a T-shirt with white supremacist
slogans, white supremacist literature and band stickers, and other supremacist materials.
The Seven-Stage Hate Model: The Psychopathology of Hate
Groups
John R. Schafer, M.A.
Joe Navarro, M.A.
Abstract
The manifestations of hate are legion, but the hate process itself remains
elusive. Limited research in this field precluded the development of a
comprehensive hate model. Understanding hate groups is essential for the
development and implementation of successful intervention strategies, which
depend on an understanding of the hate process. The proposed hate model
consists of seven stages, including how hate groups define themselves, how
hate groups target their victims and taunt them with verbal insults and
offensive gestures, and how hate groups attack their victims with or without
weapons.1
Definitions of Hate
Hate, a complex subject, divides into two general categories: rational and irrational. Unjust
acts inspire rational hate. Hatred of a person based on race, religion, sexual orientation,
ethnicity, or national origin constitutes irrational hate.
Both rational and irrational hate mask personal insecurities. Everyone experiences personal
insecurities in varying degrees throughout their lives. The more insecure a person feels, the
larger the hate mask. Most people concentrate on the important issues in life, such as
earning a living, rearing a family, and achieving personal goals. These pursuits give
meaning and value to life.2 Nonetheless, irrational hate bleeds through day-to-day activities
in the form of racial barbs and ethnic humor. Not all insecure people are haters, but all
haters are insecure people.
With respect to rational hate, haters do not focus as much on the wrong done to them or
others, but, rather, on their own helplessness, guilt, or inability to effect change. The object
of rational hate often is despised or pitied.3 In the same way, irrational hate elevates the
hater above the hated.4 Many insecure people feel a sense of self-worth by relegating a
person or group of people to a lower status.5
Skinhead Groups
During a 7-year FBI investigation of skinhead groups in Southern California between 1992
and 1999, specific patterns emerged. Skinhead groups typically consist of uneducated,
young, white males between the ages of 13 and 24 who have no long-term prospects for
success. Although many come from single-parent, dysfunctional families, some exceptions
exist. For example, members of the Western Hammerskins in Hemet, California, had high
school educations and came from two-parent, middle-class families. Further examination
revealed that both parents made long, daily commutes to work in Los Angeles and left their
teenage children unsupervised. The lack of parental supervision and guidance spawned
personal insecurities similar to those found in skinheads who come from dysfunctional,
single-parent environments.
Fortunately, most skinhead groups are not well organized and lack the leadership structure
found in the majority of street gangs engaged in ―for-profit‖ criminal activities. However,
the Western Hammerskins group has a stronger leadership hierarchy than most skinhead
groups, and it boasts a very active recruitment program. Potential members receive a
recruitment package, which includes a swastika armband, a T-shirt with white supremacist
slogans, white supremacist literature and band stickers, and other supremacist materials.
