Accepted. I would agree that 'phobia', 'hate' & 'bigotry' are sometimes devices to deflect. However they are also facts. I also affirm my belief that hate is real, that it is a disorder and for some it is an intrinsic disorder. The absence of compassion does not always express itself in emotion. It is what we frequently label "the cold calculating whatever".  Hate is "a passionate dislike", and passion is not just emotion it is intensity; an intensity that shows itself in the defiance, rejection (rather than the acceptance - reluctant or otherwise) of fact, reason, and especially empathy. And, of course it is not limited to racism, homophobia; maybe that is what you sensed?
The underlying point of the authors is actually to listen and to speak from one's experience, "listen to the stories of oneanother's lives". Imperfectly proposed, but sincerely offered for the test.