What Does Hate Look Like?

We use the word hate all the time―“I hate vegetables” or “I hated that movie!”―but what about the hate that actually hurts someone? There are words, symbols, ideas, beliefs, and actions that cause pain―to us, our friends, family, neighbours, and school mates.

What if you’ve caused that kind of pain yourself? Or what if you, or someone you know, has been the victim of hate so scary it made you want to cry?

Real kids from real classrooms share their stories here to help us to see the bias, prejudice, violence, discrimination, and exclusion around us―what hate looks like to them. Why? So we can stand against hate and never be the cause of it. And to show us how to cope and get support if we have been hurt.

By sharing our stories, we all become stronger. Our schools, neighbourhoods, and communities become safer and more kind, and hate doesn’t win.

Sameea Jimenez is an elementary educator in the Toronto District School Board. Her teaching is rooted in anti-oppression and anti-racism and is committed to challenging social norms and paradigms. Sameea specializes in social justice education and is an advocate for systemic change within educational institutions. She has created and facilitated professional development around anti-racism and anti-discrimination for educators.

Corinne Promislow is a principal in the Toronto District School Board with over 28 years of experience. Corinne is dedicated to creating a positive culture against all forms of hate and inequity in her work with students and educators. She has developed resources, provided professional development, and chaired committees to foster inclusion and anti-discrimination. Corinne lives in Toronto and enjoys spending time with her little dog Bean.

Larry Swartz is currently a literacy and arts instructor at OISE, University of Toronto. For the past 40 years Larry has worked as a classroom teacher, consultant and workshop presenter. Committed to helping teachers choose and use quality children’s literature across the curriculum to deepen understanding of social justice diversity and equity.