Hood-lems

Scott Masters
Age25
Resides Manhattan
Occupation Painter

Should the Klan be allowed to hold a rally?If the mayor is going to cut funding for art he thinks is pornographic, then he shouldn't spend money on extra police to protect hate groups.

How should hate be combated?It's personal. You can only set examples for others through your own behavior.

Is hate-crimes legislation a good thing?Yes, and it should be enacted on a federal level and applied to the fullest possible extent. Now it covers minorities, but it should be expanded to cover sexual orientation and the handicapped.

Letitia Ledan
Age31
Resides Manhattan
Occupation Business management

Should the Klan be allowed to hold a rally?No, but I don't know if I have the right to say they can't. We all have freedom of speech.

How should hate be combated?I feel that hatred every day. My husband is white, and people don't think we're together. They follow me around the store and leave him alone. It was better when I lived in Queens, people were less prejudiced. Here, if I ask for a cigarette or directions, they ignore me.

Is hate-crimes legislation a good thing?Yes, but people should really be prosecuted more. You might think twice about doing something if you thought you might go to jail.

John Lagrua
Ageover 21
Resides Manhattan
Occupation Retired

Should the Klan be allowed to hold a rally?Under our constitution, they have a right to do it, even if we don't like it.

How should hate be combated?Tolerance starts with people's behavior, not from some government mandate. The Dalai Lama says to practice self-restraint and respect for other people.

Is hate-crimes legislation a good thing?What's the difference between a hate crime and a homicide? I'm very concerned about legislation. We have so many diverse groups in New York City. We can't go through life on eggshells. My own motto is "Be on good terms with all men."

Alex Zaitsev
Age26
Resides Jersey City
Occupation Moving company

Should the Klan be allowed to hold a rally?I'm not a racist myself, but I think people should be allowed to say what they want.

How should hate be combated?In this case, someone should set up a peace rally next to the KKK rally.

Is hate-crimes legislation a good thing?Yes. If I was Jewish, I wouldn't want someone to paint my house with swastikas because of my religion.

Jacques Jean
Age42
Resides Manhattan
Occupation Reggae shop

Should the Klan be allowed to hold a rally?No.

How should hate be combated?All you can do is love, but unfortunately it's not in human nature to love.

Is hate-crimes legislation a good thing?People act on their feelings even if they know they're going to be punished. If the feeling is strong enough, they'll just do it.

Barbara Faldich
Age39
Resides Hell's Kitchen
Occupation Student

Should the Klan be allowed to hold a rally?I'm all for freedom of speech, but I can't see Giuliani giving them a permit. He's the sheriff of New York.

How should hate be combated?I think people are actually more tolerant now—they talk to each other.

Is hate-crimes legislation a good thing?Yes, absolutely. When I was a kid, name-calling got you in trouble. That was considered a hate crime then.

Casey White
Age28
Resides Manhattan
Occupation Art director

Should the Klan be allowed to hold a rally?I really wish they wouldn't, but I do think they have the right. The mayor will probably give them the permit on the basis of the First Amendment.

How should hate be combated?Teach more diversity.

Is hate-crimes legislation a good thing?Yes, but it isn't enforced enough and it doesn't cover enough groups.