I would alert the authorities via their non emergency line and definitely stop giving them my business. See something, say something.
@doschicos
I have no idea what type of group is involved in the situation you are talking about but as far as the comment about the SPLC, disagreement does not equal hate, which is something people seem to have forgotten.
Do you actually think a social media campaign would do any good or more likely, inflame hatred even more and lead to further tension? I dont think you are going to change anyone’s mind with a social media campaign. You might ( or might not) if you pulled the owner aside and said that you have long been a customer and are really concerned about things you saw and could you talk about it because you can’t imagine the owner is a hateful person. No obligation to do so, of course, but I’ve been impressed with how some young activists will speak with those fundamentally opposed to them. Their grace and maturity in doing so is inspiring. Shouting at each other in social media doesnt help.
My niece is a teacher and she found out that a small farm that was set up for taking elementary school children on field trips to was owned and operated by a person who made racist comments his online social media. My niece was horrified and notified the administrators and teachers at her own school and many of those teachers also told their friends. I understand from my niece that the actual program at the farm was very well run and the kids enjoyed it, but the owner’s comments on social media (which I read myself) were so horrendous that schools in the area cut ties with him.
Whether we approve or not, freedom of speech & freedom of assembly are protected rights in our country.
P.S. Why not name the groups ?
“Assuming this is an extremist group, advocating violence, I would do the obvious things, like never frequent the business, and tell everyone I know. Maybe inform the local news outlets with evidence and information (as long as your name isn’t referenced in any story, for your safety), and let them take it from there.”
I don’t think a group has to advocate violence to be a hate group or that so advocating shoukd be the prerequisite for boycotting or other actions against them. StormFront one of the largest online white supremacy websites “prides” itself on not advocating for violence but rather believes in subjugating non-Whites through the political process. ( Though many of those who post are fans of violence…but the website pulls posts advocating violence.). This is not a matter of just a “different “ political belief but rather one that is hateful and seeks to do harm to others even if non violent. For me such a group would justify a boycott of their business and working to spread the word about what they were advocating for. However because these non violent activities would in no way be illegal I would keep the “authorities” out of it. ( contrary to another posters suggestion)
I would certainly boycott the business, but I understand your reluctance to post anything on social media for safety reasons.
I wold not trust SPLC opinion, they have gone way overboard in lumping a ton of groups into hate groups that they differ with. My own brother is fervently anti abortion, and while I am not, we get along fine but he belongs to a religious group that the SPLC defines as a hate group. I find that to be despicable, don’t like somebodies opinion on something, labeling them a hate group is far worse IMO.
This post isn’t about anti-abortion groups. These are hate groups also spotlighted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). You’ll just have to take my word for it.
The SLPC does not deem any group a hate group because of their views on abortion as far as I am aware. They do deem hate groups several religious organizations based on their advocating against those who are gay. If you view Someones sexual orientation as a choice then this would lead to the conclusion that the SLPC deems a “ hate group” those with different views. However If you accept as fact the science that says being gay is immutable then the hate designation can be viewed as fully appropriate.
@HeartofDixie , the SPLC is a very credible and respected organization. The AFA is on their list due to the “propagation of known falsehoods" and the use of “demonizing propaganda” against LGBT people. I put a lot more stock in their research and experience than I do in your opinion.
I would do nothing unless I saw evidence of illegal activity. If I don’t like what they stand for I wouldn’t do business with them, but I wouldn’t start a campaign against them.
You could tell them you saw something they put on social media and it offended you. You could tell them why it offends you and see what they say.
I disagree about SPLC being a respectable organization. They have lost their way.
“f you pulled the owner aside and said that you have long been a customer and are really concerned about things you saw and could you talk about it because you can’t imagine the owner is a hateful person.”
“You could tell them you saw something they put on social media and it offended you. You could tell them why it offends you and see what they say.”
No point, IMO. The evidence is there - photos wearing emblems and patches, banners, flags, etc. It’s not open to opinion. If you’re part of these groups, you’re wrong headed. Nothing to discuss. I don’t know the person personally. Pointing it out to the person would likely cause them to then hide what is now openly displayed if you know where to find it or stumble upon it like I did. I don’t want this person to hide their hatred.
Well, statistically, pretty much every town in the country has at least some members of such groups, and in all likelihood, we have all unknowingly encountered or done business with them or lived next door to them. It would be almost impossible not to have done so. I wouldnt knowingly do business with them, but we dont normally interrogate acquaintances on their political views. I would rather people not openly espouse hatred, but so long as it is protected speech, it is their right to do so. Similarly I would demand they not curtail my free speech rights as well.
Very true, unfortunately, @roycroftmom, but once you do know, it’s impossible to un-know/ignore. I was surprised to see what I saw. Obviously people with his views think they don’t need to hide them.
I can understand your conflict, and I really don’t have an answer, but one thing you may want to do as you’re mulling over next steps, if any, would be to take a screen grab of the pictures you’ve seen.
Oh Jeez, everyone who isn’t completely biased knows full well that the SPLC has an agenda. Mix in people whose ideas they don’t like with violent hate groups, and label them all as hate groups. Leaving out, of course, the groups that hate the right sort of people. Label anyone you disagree with or who is on the wrong side of the political spectrum as a hate group. No wonder nobody understands or wants to dialogue with other people, you can’t disagree, you are just a hater.
It is curious that you said, " I’ve verbally informed many people I know who are likeminded to me. What has surprised me is there are some - a few - who seem not to care. That I have a hard time grasping." You only informed people who are likeminded to you? If this is a truly vicious hate group that surely should be boycotted, why would you even associate with anyone who would not agree with that? You associate with people who think whatever horror this group perpetuates is okay? Or maybe you should check your biases. Since you won’t label the group, and people seem to be unconcerned, maybe this isn’t as awful as you portray. We have no idea what group it is, since you won’t say, however, the reaction of others seems to point to you overreacting.
Think what you like, @busdriver11. You obviously choose to believe whatever you have churning in your head than what I’ve posted. That’s on you, not me. You’re attempting to twist my words around and paint something that mere speculation on your part, and inaccurate.
These are hate/white supremacist groups. I’m not pinpointing because it could easily give clues to my location. As I mentioned, these groups are also spotlighted by ADL not just SPLC.
Vicious is your word choice. To my knowledge, they haven’t been violent. They just propagate hate. If I knew they were violent, I would have reported it to law enforcement.
As others have said, freedom of speech and assembly is not unlawful.
As far as who I decide to tell, I live in a very conservative area with many fringe elements (not talking mainstream here). I’m sure some might side with this group. I have no interest in telling them. Most people I tell are shocked this is in our community nonetheless. For the few that aren’t, who knows why? I think they prefer to stick their heads in the sand. Many people are like that throughout history. That’s why evil things happen time and again. Again, I said a few - how does that lead to my overreacting? Jeesh.
As far as those of you dissing SPLC because they call certain groups hate groups because of their stances on gays, your biases are showing.
Can we please trust @doschicos to know the difference between a group with whom she has a difference of political or personal opinion and a true hate group? Most innocuous political advocacy groups are not marching around with flags and patches.