Why Should I Care?

While one may not be a perpetrator or a victim of religious intolerance, its presence has a negative impact on society as a whole. By ignoring the reality of religious intolerance, one empowers the perpetrators to continue their actions and further marginalizes the victims by not providing support. When one chooses to view the problem as separate and distinct from one’s situation and therefore not worthy of attention, he or she is, in essence, tacitly condoning hate and creating an environment in which it can flourish. Only when individuals educate themselves and others about the realities of religious intolerance can people dissolve the power of groups and individuals to effectively spread their harmful prejudices.

Disclaimer

The images on this website are part of a long and well established history of religious intolerance in the United States. They represent both relics from our nation’s troubled past and reminders that intolerance still pervades our society today. Viewers may find some of the images in our database offensive; indeed, we should all take offense when confronted with hatred and bigotry. While individually these images serve as volatile instruments of intolerance, Portraits of Hate, Lessons of Hope hopes that the responsible collection and display of these images will illustrate the reality of American religious intolerance, expose its machinations, and combat its proliferation. For these reasons, we ask that individuals respect copyright law and use these images for educational, classroom purposes only.

Advice on Site Navigation and Use

Site Overview:

Portraits of Hate, Lessons of Hope was created in order to bring awareness to the vilification and persecution of religious groups in America and to support justice and fair treatment for all. To this end, the site incorporates different visual media to raise awareness and educate others on the issue of religious intolerance. This site’s unique organization is designed to be used by the general public as well as students and teachers in order to provide educational benefits.

Students and Viewers:

We recommend that viewers first read our definitions of religious intolerance on the “Definitions” tab to get the most effective use of the information on the site. With this in mind, proceed to the “Image Gallery” tab to see portrayals of intolerance firsthand. Images in the gallery are organized both thematically and by religious group, but viewers may use the search function to look for specific parameters. If an image grabs your attention, click the thumbnail to see more information on the image, its message, and a few questions designed to get at the meaning of the image in its proper context. For more information, just click the link to pull up a detailed description and analysis of the image. All the images on the site follow this format so feel free to make use of as much of the site as you wish. Check out the “Links” tab to visit other websites or find information and resources on fighting religious intolerance. Finally, the “Forum” tab is available for you to submit your reactions, comments, personal experiences, or to suggest images for the site. This site is for you and your education so we hope that you use what you learn by taking the first step towards combating intolerance.

Teachers:

It is important that students understand religious intolerance not just for their own education, but also to allow them to begin a new generation committed to religious tolerance. Religious freedom is integral to our society, but that freedom must be promoted in order to protect those who currently face persecution. We look to our schools and teachers to foster in students an attitude of respect for religious freedom. Specifically, we hope teachers can use this site’s material to:

1. Encourage students toward open-minded and objective consideration of

a. The diverse worldviews that exist in the United States

b. The unique forms of religious practice these worldviews inspire

2. Stimulate students to appreciate the aspects of our own American heritage that ensure and safeguard the individual freedom of religious beliefs and practice

The image gallery, discussion forum, and content can all be used as tools for educational purposes. Furthermore, an area specifically for teachers is provided to promote combating this issue in the classroom. Click the “Educational Resources” tab to view educational material and for suggestions on how to start dialogue on intolerance. Ideas, lesson plans, and thought experiments are all incorporated for your use. It is our hope that you find these materials helpful in bringing the issue of religious intolerance to the forefront.