Written on: November 20, 2024 by SprayTM
In honor of the International Day for Tolerance, and in response to the alarming 600% rise in hate-based graffiti, the Chicago-based non-profit Life After Hate has launched HateEraser—an aerosol-gel based formula designed to quickly eradicate hate speech from most surfaces.
Life After Hate is partnering with police stations across the U.S. to distribute HateEraser as part of a new program in which first-time offenders are required to use it during court-mandated community service. This initiative is based on the belief that educating offenders on the damage their actions cause can help prevent them from continuing a life of hate.
“We know that hate-based speech and hate-based graffiti are the first steps to hate-based violence,” remarked Life After Hate Director Pat Riccards.
“HateEraser works to change the futures of people motivated by hate and extremist ideologies through education, community service, and helping people alter their path away from a life of continued radical hate,” Riccards continued.
The HateEraser formula contains acetone, xylene and multiple varieties of alcohol and hydrocarbons.
“This combination of active ingredients removes hateful markings as quickly as they were made,” noted Savannah Technical College Chemistry Professor Ujjvala Bagal.
The HateEraser cans were designed by street artists from across the country wanting to distance themselves from hate-based graffiti and help inspire change in their communities.
Every can design tells a different story of acceptance, anti-hate and empathy.
“The hope is that through the HateEraser program, education, action and strengthening hate crime laws, we can help foster a safe and more accepting community,” said Dina Peck, Chief Creative Officer of The Purpose Group.
“Hate has no place in our art,” said Jax, one of the artists on the project.
“I’m proud to be a part of something that makes real change in my community.”
Learn more at HateEraser.org.
