Abstract
In view of the recent surge in the number of hate crimes in India, particularly against minority groups such as Dalits and Muslims, this chapter aims to explore youth perceptions about hate crimes, hate speech, and ideas of nationalism, and examine the ways in which education has impacted their point of view. Through a critical examination of the reasons behind this sudden rise in hate crimes and hate speech, this chapter argues that a new form of nationalism founded based on religious sentiments and animosity among different religious groups is slowly emerging in present-day India. In the process, communalism has come to be conflated with nationalism. Results of this qualitative inquiry suggest that young people are lacking in a thorough understanding of these issues, although they do not appear to be altogether evasive of contemporary realities. This points towards the need for increased public awareness and education delivered through a critical lens, and alerts us to the dangers of overestimating the reach and influence of mass media to convey the magnitude of certain crucial issues.
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Maria Agnes Sasitha, J. (2021). Youth Perception on Hate Crimes, Hate Speeches and Nationalism in Contemporary India. In: Kury, H., Redo, S. (eds) Crime Prevention and Justice in 2030. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56227-4_3
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