Voice 1
Thank you for joining us for today's Spotlight program. I'm Marina Santee.
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And I'm Joshua Leo. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1
In 1991 a man named David Duke entered an election. He wanted to become a governing official of the state of Louisiana in the United States. David Duke was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, or KKK. The KKK is a violent racist group in the United States. It is a group of white people who threaten people of different races. In some cases the Klan has even killed people of different colour, ethnic group or beliefs. David Duke had a long history as a racist. And he was also very involved in politics. He spread racist ideas in many areas. Some people called him 'America's best known racist.' Some people believed in David Duke's ideas about racism. But many did not.
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In many situations people do not talk about racism or race issues. They do not come together and discuss things. This was the case in Louisiana. Because of this, the election for governor divided the community there.
Voice 1
Today's Spotlight program is the second in a series of ten programs. In this series of programs we will look at ten ways to fight hate.
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Hate is powerful enough to destroy people and communities. So Tolerance.org has made this list of ten ways to fight hate in your community. On today's Spotlight program we will look at the second way to fight hate in your community: Unite.
Voice 1
David Duke's movement to become governor divided the people of Louisiana. Duke did not win the election. But the event was a chance for people to talk about race. One newspaper in Louisiana created a way for the community to communicate. The newspaper invited readers to write and tell their opinions and experiences. One woman, Rhoda, wrote to the newspaper:
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"Let's think of ways to tell each other that we love and respect each other as God's fellow creatures."
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Another woman, Brenda, responded to Rhoda. She wrote:
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"We need some sort of symbol. We need something to let the world know that we are not all infected with hate."
Voice 1
Rhoda was white. And Brenda was black. They met together one day to talk. Together they started the group "Erace." Erasing removes something from existence and memory.
But this word also sounds like the word for a group of people who are physically similar - race. The women wanted to erase racism. The women decided on a motto. The motto would declare the main idea behind Erace. The motto was "Eracism - all colours with love and respect."
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The women hoped to spread their message to many people. One of the main ways they spread their message was through bumper stickers. People could attach the colourful message to the backs of their cars. Rhoda said:
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"Imagine a city where every car shows the sticker. Think of the message that would send. Think of how black people and white people would feel in such a place."
Voice 1
Today, Erace has given out 140,000 bumper stickers to people in places all around the world. Erace also helps people hold discussions where people of different races can come together. Erace believes bringing people of different races together creates hope. They believe it is the best tool against racism. And they encourage people everywhere to join them. They say: "Through person to person communication, we seek ways to show that we are devoted to treating fellow human beings of all colors with love and respect. Join us."
Voice 2
Sometimes bringing people together is a difficult job. People who experience hate often feel afraid or alone. People who want to fight against hate may not know how to start. Tolerance.org says that people should always remember one thing. People around you also want to stop hate. That is why it is so important to unite.
Voice 1
Everyone knows that there is power in numbers. Many people have a louder voice than only one person. More people can do more things. They can educate more people. Criminals may also be less likely to attack a larger group of people. And more people also means more ideas! Every person can add something. But whom can you unite with? How can you find people to connect to?
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Tolerance.org says that there are many ways to unite with other people. You can start by uniting with people who you are already close to. Gather with your friends and family. Ask the people who live near you, your neighbours, to join your group against hate. Invite the people you work or worship with.
Voice 1
Remember also to unite with people who are different to you. Uniting can bring together every person of a community. When you see hate, encourage your group to act against it. Meet together and talk about ways to make your group grow. Talk about ways to educate your community about people who are different.
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You can also work with larger groups in your community. What groups in your community might want to stop hate? Tolerance.org suggests inviting and involving women's groups, teachers, labour unions, university workers, and young people groups. Involve schools, businesses, places of worship, children, members of minority groups and politicians. Tolerance.org also encourages people to involve local police. Police can watch for early signs of hate in a community.
Voice 1
Remember Rhoda and Brenda from the beginning of this program? The local newspaper gave them a way to connect. They came together with each other and people they knew. They created a place where people could unite and talk about race and racism. They created ways to spread their message to a wider community. They started as only two women. But today their idea has spread around the world.
Voice 2
Sadly, hate exists in every community. But, there are many ways that people can stand up and unite against it. Remember that you are not alone.
Voice 1
This is the second program in a series of ten programs on ten ways to fight hate. This list is from Tolerance.org. Here are Tolerance.org's ten ways to fight hate.
Act, Unite, Support the Victims, Do Your Homework, Create an Alternative, Speak Up, Lobby Leaders, Look Long Range, Teach Tolerance, and Dig Deeper.
Keep listening to Spotlight to hear the complete series. And be sure to visit Tolerance.org on the internet.
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