Noose = Hate Crime?

Question

If a white man uses a noose to hang a black man, that would be a hate crime. The mere possession of a noose should be, at best, a misdemeanour.
Throughout history thousands of people of every race have met their fate at the end of a rope. We all remember Saddam Hussein's demise. How then can the mere hanging of a noose, in a tree, be misconstrued as a hate crime?

Answer 1

You have to look at the intent to determine if there was hate, but frankly, I don't see the crime part. Vandalism? Littering? What law has been broken by hanging a noose in a tree.

Answer 2

It's what it simile's . The KKK used to burn crosses as a threaten to blacks for what they consider stepping out of line. such as a black man or women making eye contact with a white person, a black man looking at a white woman, speaking to a white person, visiting a white establishment such as a restaurant , drinking from a water fountain.
The same thing goes for a noose it was a threat to blacks to stay away from the whites only tree are there would be consequences to their wanting to sit under that tree.
It don't make sense but if you read African American history in America you would know why they(black kids) saw it as a threat.

Answer 3

aa noose has been dated along time as being a punishment if i were a black man or child and i see a noose it is a hate crime and Saddam Hussein's punishment should have been worse and there is no comparison to that and don't forget about black history and punishment it shouldn't have happened

Answer 4

It is not a hate crime as stated in the law. However, if we are to call ourselves a civilized and compassionate society, we must bring this type of hate speech to an end. It should not be allowed. We need to put into place rules of behavior in these type matters. Both sides of this issue were wrong and punishment for each side should be according to the level of crimes committed. I also say dig up the tree, move it to a park and end the situation.

Answer 5

Displaying a noose - hate speech - yet protected by the first amendment. Actually hanging someone with a noose - its called murder which of course is a crime punishable by the courts.

Answer 6

You need to study American history after the black slaves were freed. Then you'd understand. In those days, a black man looking at someone uncomfortably was enough to hang them in public. Imagine living in a time when people that were similar to you were publicly executed for no good reason. I'm a white man and I'll never be able to see life from that perspective (thank God). No person should ever freely expose such symbols of hate.

Answer 7

Um, he murdered a guy, and we're quibbling over whether having the noose was a misdemeanor?

Dude, a noose is a weapon, as deadly as a gun or a knife. If you found a large knife stabbed into your front door one morning, wouldn't you assume it was a threat?

Answer 8

The "method" used is irrelevant. It's the motive, the intention. If race, sexual orientation, religion etc. were the motive, then yes, hate crime. To just kill? Homicide.

Answer 9

it shouldnt be a crime at all.it is free speech regardless of who it offends.the fact is none of this should have ended up in court.
white kids hang a noose,black kids kick their butts for doing so.end of story.!!!!!
with all the molesters and stuff out there,it amazes me that this DA wants to waste jail space and our tax dollars prosecuting a fistfight!!!

Answer 10

because of the association between a noose, lynching, and the KKK