Society is made up of many different sociological groups. These groups involve people of different races, religions, and more. Unfortunately, hate crimes occur when groups become angry or frustrated with each other. These groups mainly form during periods of economic struggle or even social change. Hate groups continue to be a problem in our society. One group believes that the reason for a specific problem is solely the fault of another racial, religious, or other group. The most common forms of crime in our society are due to hate. Hate crimes are defined as a crime motivated by hatred, prejudice or intolerance towards someone's race, religion, ethnicity, political affiliation, disability and/or sexual orientation. Many hate crimes happen because of someone being different from someone else. Americans have felt anger towards those of Middle Eastern heritage, especially after the terrorist attacks of September 11th. Shirley Jahad's audio in Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes, accounts of people who experienced force and threats in the first weeks after 9/11, because they appear to be Arab or are Arab. There are dozens of reports of violence by people who look or sound like Arabs. For example, in San Diego, a 51-year-old Sikh woman, Sorhan Balar, was stopped at a traffic light when a man opened her car door and said "this is what you get for what you did to us." She was hit in the head. Even though she ducked, she still received a cut on her head. The reactions towards Arab-Americans were a way for Americans to let off steam. Some took patriotism to an excessive level after the terrorist attacks that brought down the World Trade Center towers. Americans are confident that they are being patriotic and protecting their country by finding themselves... middle of paper... Bir Singh Sodhi, a 49-year-old Sikh, four days after 9/11. He said: “I am a patriot and an American. I'm American. I'm a damn American,” he addressed the officers as he was arrested (Fleet). After 9/11 we have become accustomed to having specific feelings towards different groups within our society, a phenomenon known as socialization. America has also experienced stereotypes. Specific situations occurring in society and beliefs about specific groups of individuals at that time determine which groups will experience prejudice and discrimination. For example, immediately after and since 9/11 we have witnessed numerous hate crimes against individuals of Middle Eastern origin. Americans should educate themselves before attacking an innocent person. Others should not use racial profiling. We can prevent hate crimes by being open and respecting others who are different.