Hate 101

Are you ready to be an UPstander?

Want to learn more about how to be an UPstander and prevent hate-based violence?

This mini course takes about 25-30 minutes to complete. To obtain the certificate, you must complete all three videos AT THE SAME TIME. If you have to pause the modules, keep the window up on the same browser to avoid losing your place.

The certificate will ask for your first and last name. Please ONLY list your first name. For your last name, write “n/a.”

To begin watching each video, you must first answer a few questions. Quiz questions will appear throughout to test your understanding. After answering each set, you'll move to the next part. Pay close attention, as you can't replay the videos!

You will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course.

GET STARTED

If you’re interested in a deep dive into preventing hate-based violence, find additional free resources, online courses, games, toolkits, and more here!

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Ask Yourself: Safe or Sus?

Is the situation safe or sus? And, more importantly, what can you do about it? Test your knowledge below!

Your friend shares a news article about a recent hate-based violent crime.

Safe or Sus?

It depends!

Are they sharing the article to raise awareness about the event or condemn it?

That's safe.

Are they sharing the article to praise or promote what happened?

That’s sus.

If they're praising the crime, talk with your friend about their reasons.

Your friend makes an unkind comment about a group of people, so you ask them why they said it.

Safe or Sus?

Safe!

Sometimes starting a conversation and being curious is a good way to determine what’s going on with your friend. Maybe they don’t even know that what they said is harmful. However, if they really believe what they said, you can determine what to do next.

Find some ways to start that conversation.

Someone warns you not to come to school tomorrow.

Safe or Sus?

Sus!

Comments like this should always be taken seriously. It’s very likely that a person who is planning to commit an act of violence will share their plans with someone else.

If you overhear this comment, you should talk to a trusted adult and call 911.

You decide to share concerning social media posts with a trusted adult.

Safe or Sus?

Safe!

No matter the issue, or how small you think your concern is, you can never go wrong by talking to a trusted adult.

Review a list of adults who can help you and decide how to talk to them.

You overhear a hateful joke.

Safe or Sus?

Sus!

Comments based on hate should not be considered funny. “Jokes” that play into negative ideas about a person or a group can have consequences for the people involved.

Find out some actions you could take to address the joke.

Your friend brags about owning a gun.

Safe or Sus?

It depends!

In some contexts, owning guns is common. If this isn’t the norm for your friend, it may be sus. If your friend appears to be stockpiling weapons, that is concerning, too. The type of gun also matters. If your friend is bragging about a semi-automatic gun, and they’re also sharing hate symbols, you should talk to someone.

If you decide that you’re worried about your friend, try talking to them directly to see what’s going on. If their answer is concerning, talk to a trusted adult.

Your friend interrupts someone and changes the subject when they start sharing conspiracy theories about Jewish students.

Safe or Sus?

Safe!

You won’t always be able to change someone’s mind, but you can always change the subject!Your friend acted as an Upstander by protecting other people from hearing hateful words.

Read about other actions you can take to flip the script on hate.

You see someone reposting unfamiliar memes online.

Safe or Sus?

It depends!

What kind of memes is this person sharing? Are they memes you don’t understand and have never seen before? Are you worried the memes have hateful meanings?

Learn more about how to spot hateful memes and online content.

You see someone making fun of their friend in a TikTok video.

Safe or Sus?

It depends!

Is the friend in the video? Does it seem like it’s all in good fun? Or is the person making fun of their friend for their religion, gender, ethnicity, etc.?

Learn more about cyberbullying and online hate.

You see someone being bullied, but another person steps in to stop it.

Safe or Sus?

Safe!

This stepping in for someone is a great way to make your community safer. Consider joining in the effort, or telling the person that what they did was cool.

Learn how you can step in, too!

You see someone being bullied online.

Safe or Sus?

Sus!

Cyberbullying is not the same as online hate, but both have negative consequences for the people they impact. In addition to being hurt, victims of bullying might turn to hate in the future.

Learn how to spot cyberbullying and how to interrupt it when you see it.

Your friend has stopped participating in their normal social activities and spends a lot of time alone.

Safe or Sus?

Sus!

Is your friend experiencing something that might impact their ability to be social? Have they explained why they’re spending time alone? If you’re not aware of a reason for this behavior, and your friend won’t talk to you about it, that might be a sign that something concerning is happening.

Find out how to talk to a friend or an adult about your concerns.

Your friend has started spending a lot of time with new friends.

Safe or Sus?

It depends!

If your friend has made new friends through a club or a sport, there is likely nothing to worry about. However, if your friend has dropped his or her old friends completely, and this new group seems like a bad influence, you might want to find out more.

Find out how to talk to a friend or an adult about your concerns.

Your friend has started saying mean things about a specific group of people because of their identity.

Safe or Sus?

Sus!

Saying mean things is never cool. Any time someone makes comments directed at a group of people because of their identity, you should take note.

You can talk to your friend about these comments. If you’re worried, you should talk to an adult.

Your friend invites a new student to see a movie with your group.

Safe or Sus?

It depends!

Welcoming communities are safe communities. Making people feel included and valued can go a long way towards preventing hate and hate-based violence.

Practice other actions that help prevent hate.

Has this site been helpful? Click here to let us know!

This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, opportunity number DHS-23-GPD-067-00-01.

Eradicate Hate Global Summit
500 Grant Street, Suite 4500
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2514
info@eradicatehatesummit.org