The Internet has made it possible for people to access just about any information they could possibly want. Conversely, it has given organizations a vehicle through which they can get their message out to a large audience. Hate groups have found the Internet particularly appealing, because they are able to get their uncensored message out to an unlimited number of people (ADL 2005). This is an issue that is not likely to go away. The Supreme Court has declared that the Internet is like a public square, and it is therefore unconstitutional for the government to censor websites (Reno et al. v. American Civil Liberties Union et al. 1997). Research into how hate groups use the Internet is necessary for several reasons. First, the Internet has the potential to reach more people than any other medium. Connected to that, there is no way to censor who views what, so it is unknown whom these groups are trying to target for membership. It is also important to learn what kinds of views these groups hold and what, if any, actions they are encouraging individuals to take. In addition, ongoing research is needed because both the Internet and the groups themselves are constantly changing. The research dealing with hate websites is sparse. The few studies that have been conducted have been content analyses of dozens of different hate sites. The findings indicate a wide variation in the types of sites, but the samples are so broad that no real patterns have emerged (Gerstenfeld, Grant, and Chiang 2003). This study will focus on the content and the use of persuasive techniques of four major white supremacist websites. Three of them are major groups connected to larger movements: the National Alliance connected to the Neo-Nazi movement, the Imperial Klans of America connected to the Ku Klux Klan, and the Aryan Nations connected to the Christian Identity movement. In addition, the study will be examining a large site named Stormfront that is not affiliated with any group. This study will catalogue what parts of the site hate groups use for 9 10
The mass incarceration epidemic related to drug offenses in the United States has caused recent introspection regarding the best technique to employ when future deterrence is the end goal. The focus of this present work centers on the opioid crisis in America and comparable westernized countries worldwide. Emphasis has been placed on a harm reduction approach. This innovative policy is a natural extension of combating the negative impact and damaging result of labeling. When one is allowed to avoid the badge of "criminal," they can conceivably concentrate on getting clean and staying that way. This includes access to legitimate jobs and ongoing positive role models. A productive, upstanding future life is the ultimate aim.
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