Need Is Great for Dialogue on Diversity

Prof. Benjamin J. Hubbard’s comments and observations are very accurate (“Rise in Hate Crimes Signals Alarming Resurgence of Bigotry” April 4). I find that people don’t seem to relate their particular brand of disliking a particular group to the general rise in bigotry, hate and animosity.

It doesn’t seem to matter whether it is the far right, far left or ultra-religious; it is the extreme positions of groups and individuals in our society that cause polarization.

I hear racial and ethnic epithets mouthed by all kinds of people against others and that seems to grow, not shrink. It really became a “we-they” situation where one is either “in” or “out.”

I think “leaders” (whoever they are) need to create a dialogue, but individuals need to do that even more. I am lucky enough to have lived and traveled in Asia, Africa and Europe and believe me: Different can be interesting. Take a chance now or the pessimism can only grow. Try to understand others.

CRAIG G. MEYERS

Anaheim