Arts for Empathy and Solidarity: A Study on the Connection between Arts and Hate Crime Reporting

• In Event: Roundtable: Activism and Social Movements

Abstract

The research project investigates the potential of artistic and creative experiences to foster empathy across racial groups and solidarity in combating hate crimes. Working in collaboration with community-based organizations in East Harlem and Chinatown to carry out this project, the Principal Investigator focuses on organizations that serve marginalized and BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) individuals. Specifically, the study empirically examines how arts-based activities and experiences can influence individuals’ willingness to report hate crimes and improve cross-racial understanding across marginalized communities. Leveraging methodologies from ethnography and case studies, this multisite study focuses on Chinatown and East Harlem in New York City, with data collection instruments including interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. By concentrating on marginalized populations and facilitating collaboration with leaders in community-based organizations, this project aims to fill a critical gap at the intersection of arts and hate crime studies. With empirically rigorous research methods, this project will yield results beyond the “gut-instinct” or “feel-good” conclusions and address criticism of previous anti-hate programs and arts benefits research. The study’s findings will also help advance scalable models for future community-based initiatives that utilize arts to foster empathy and solidarity.

Author

• Michael C. Liu, Borough of Manhattan Community College, CUNY