Carl Taylor, an MSU sociology professor, said hate crimes are committed with the motivation of harming someone who represents something a person opposes. Taylor, also a criminologist, said he expected there to be an increase in hate crimes after Barack Obama won the presidential election.

“There are some people who are, without any question, blatant racists and they don’t want to see a black man in a position of authority and definitely not the president of the U.S. because that is the most powerful position in the world to some,” he said. “If we enforce the hate crime laws and punish those who are perpetrators, I think we could possibly see a reduction (during Obama’s term).”

During times of economic crisis, it is easy for some to embrace racist ideas and explanations to hold others responsible for the widespread suffering, said John H. McClendon, director of African American and African studies and professor of philosophy.

“(These hate crimes) put into focus some of the euphoria and utopian views about the progress that has been made in terms of race and racism with the election of Barack Obama,” he said. “Many people were saying, ‘This is a new day. There’s a black person in the White House. This symbolizes the decline of racism.’ But this response tells us very clearly that one has to be very careful about making such an assessment. Behind this historic event where a black man will enter the White House, there is still the very stark reality of racism.”

McClendon added that although racial tension nationally is evident, he hasn’t experienced much of a difference locally.

Supply chain management senior Kyle Watts, said he’s also heard of an increase in hate crimes worldwide in the news, but hasn’t felt much tension on a more local level.

“I feel like there would have been a lot more had (Obama) not been elected. I think that blacks and minorities would have really gotten upset,” he said.

“I think it’s been pretty peaceful since. People are just excited to get George Bush out.”