Here are a few aspects/characteristics of hate that people might consider. Its not really finished but this is sort of some characteristics of smaller groups that seem related to larger groups. It likely doesn't make a difference in based in a small town, nation, or international. There will likely be some similarities among them. The biggest danger being characteristic #2 mixed with #3. Fostered through #5 but often sparked by #1 and #4. (I haven't completely thought through it all so I might switch them up and see how they flow together as a little system)
1.) Its not about the target. Its about the perpetrators/initiators perception of the targets and that is often based in their own distorted view of the world (Related to #4). They will see to sell that version to others to gain support (#2,3 A type of mapping of relation).
2.) Use of aggression and intimidation (A numbers game). Boundary violation, stalking behaviors, misuse of power, harassment, spreading of false information, are part of the game of trying to control and damage the target(s). The more people involved, the more emboldened. (#1,3,4,5 Notice the relations and how aggression and intimidation or key components that turn "cool"/ in-groups into something more.)
3.) Acceptance in racial, religious, or identity based groups. Most of these groups are going to have an identity type connection (racial, religious, gangs, sports, and other identity) that determines who is in-group and who is out-group. When you tap the identity fears you can heighten group fear/anger (i.e. why parties shouldn't be racial or religious oriented.) (#2, 4, 5)
4.) Leadership has high likelihood to have comingled mental health issues. There is necessary aggression and unnecessary aggression. Necessary is that which defends while unnecessary is that which harms (from an animal biology level). Distortion switches them in the minds of their blind followers projecting themselves as victims and soliciting support for group action. (#1,2,3,)
5.) Low boundaries within the group. Group members follow based on many different aspects (#2,3,4). Much of that is related to how dominant figures socialize and manage their group for control, the personal development of the members, and the capacity to say "no" to leadership without being ostracized or attacked (As a side note. While they are projecting their "superiority" they are actually enslaved to their group.)
We in this nation have given a lot of free passes to hate and we now see how that is operating on a national scale. These groups don't often stop but transform their behaviors into new methods. If groups stay in tact they will further seem themselves as "victims" which will create further justifications. Our laws and methods should update to help ensure we are besting these challenges before they become bigger issues. This is why I created a mental health oriented track and solve strategy that helps with empathy but also allows us to understand the deeper mechanics of hate. While some targets may be more sociably acceptable than others at our present time we should think more broader and universal than this for more robust national development.
(There is no "sociably acceptable" hate target(s) in a universal society which is where we need to go in our next challenges. Such societies will have higher human capital development and bottom up large scale innovations that improve national competitiveness. The highest modern, but still non existent, democracy we can create in the world is a universal democracy where the rules, values, civil rights, and opportunities are applied equally/fairly/justice and life possibilities are open to anyone who sets on the path of development. I have a Muslim sounding name so that often limits my opportunities but maybe we can fix it for the next generation. If you think I'm lying go around and ask people of different backgrounds and you will get a feel for what I'm saying. 🤷 )