Photo by Carlos Puma.
Brian Levin is the founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism and professor emeritus at California State University, San Bernardino, where he specialized in the analysis of hate crime, terrorism, and legal issues. Before moderating “How Does the Inland Empire Strike Back Against Hate?,” a Zócalo public program presented in partnership with California Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, United We Stand, UCR ARTS, and UCR College of Humanities and Social Sciences, he joined us in the green room to chat Mister Rogers, his choco lab, and what to wear to a hate rally.
What’s your song of the summer?
I’m gonna go with Frank Sinatra, “My Way,” like every other Boomer.
What makes it your song of the summer for 2024?
Because we’re actually getting stuff done in the anti-hate world. I was invited down to Washington to present with a bunch of my friends and new friends. It’s good to take data and use it to influence policy that hopefully will help people who are a bit vulnerable.
Growing up, what was one class that made a lasting impression on you?
In high school, I took AP American History with Mr. Zenie, and I was assigned Plessy v. Ferguson. And I was like, what a dumb, horrible decision, and boom, four or so decades later, I’m still doing it.
To flip that question, what’s one class that you’ve taught that’s made a lasting impression on you?
The hate crime class. In that class, I assign students—because there’s some of us that don’t test as well—to write their family history. Part of what I wanted them to do was not just say so-and-so was born somewhere but capture a flavor of the area that they were in, the areas that they came from, and what motivated them. And I said you had to make two copies, and one you keep for your family.
There was one kid, I’ll never forget it. Handsome as heck. Had three other brothers that all graduated from Cal State. And his father immigrated from Mexico and would go on a train to find work; he put all of them through school, and they all graduated with honors. If people… [who have] nativist, anti-immigrant tendencies actually got to know these folks, they would be ashamed of themselves. The stories are incredible. For me, I had to pace myself. I couldn’t read them in one sitting. Some knew Pancho Villa. Others were in Triple-A baseball. Other folks, when they weren’t supporting their families, liked to dance.
What’s an impression you can share of your own Long Island childhood?
I think it was less about where but the time. I was among the first kids who experienced Sesame Street, Mister Rogers, this kind of tolerant, civic-minded era.
What did you want to be growing up? Mister Rogers?
Well I had a list of things: veterinarian, doctor, lawyer, preacher, baseball player. Working in an ice cream shop.
What’s one thing that relaxes you?
A couple of things: ’70s and ’60s music, and I hug my choco lab. His name’s Koda. He just turned 4.
You’ve tracked extremists at hate rallies. What do you wear to a hate rally?
Nothing that stands out. You don’t wear a rainbow shirt. You don’t wear a hate shirt. You just go with bland.
What’s one good book you’re reading right now?
I just ordered it. Fauci’s new book, On Call. My dad knew him, and he’s a real public servant.