Kosky, Julia --- "Faces of Hate (eds) Chris Cuneen, David Fraser and Stephen Tomens (Hawkins Press, Sydney, 1997)" [1999] AUJlHRights 14; (1999) 5(1) Australian Journal of Human Rights 259
Book Review
Faces of Hate (eds) Chris Cuneen, David Fraser and Stephen Tomens
(Hawkins Press, Sydney, 1997)
Julia Kosky
This book provides a comprehensive examination of hate crimes in Australia. It deals with various forms of hatred against racial, sexual and ethnic minorities in Australia and examines their historical, political and sociological sources. The introduction, by the editors, defines the issues to be discussed in the book and also explains the complexity of any study of hate crimes. The following nine chapters, by different authors discussing vastly diverse subjects, combine to provide a coherent exposé of hate crimes in general.
The first chapter, by Rob White, examines anti-Asian racism in Australia and its links to discussions of nationalism and immigration and the incorporation of economic and political debate within racism. Irene Nemes' article on anti-Semitic violence, while focusing on and detailing a very specific form of hatred, highlights the serious nature of all acts or sentiments of hatred. The chapter on violence against Arab Australians, by David Fraser, Moha Melhem and Mirna Yacoub, discusses the deeply ideological nature of hatred against Arab Australians and how this is reflected in the media and within the political arena. The next two chapters, by Stephen Tomsen and Gail Mason, look at hatred based on sexuality. Tomsen discusses the phenomena of gay-hate murders and the marginalisation of study on homophobic violence. Mason looks at another aspect of hate crimes against sexuality, that is, the violent manifestations of heterosexism. Chris Cuneen points to the normalisation of racism against Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders and its subsequent pervasiveness on all levels of daily life, that is, the notion of a `culture of racism'. The following two chapters shift focus from the victim to the perpetrators of hate crimes. While David Fraser focuses on the phenomena of holocaust denial, he also deals with the notion of vilification versus freedom of speech. David Greeson reveals the nature of Australia's racist far-Right, their link to hate crimes and their ability to rally support. The last chapter by Melinda Jones outlines the legal responses to hatred, pointing to mechanisms that are effective and to those that require improvement.
Faces of Hate provides an interesting discussion of a tragic reality of Australian society. Race and racism are currently on the political agenda and continue to be a part of the daily lives of many Australians. In pointing to a diversity of experiences, the editors highlight the importance of not generalising about the victims or the perpetrators of hate crimes.