A few days ago the RG noted a rise in reported hate crimes nationally. In the comment section it was noted that this could be because people feel more free to report, and I agree to this possibility. But if so, it means our earlier numbers were low due to fear of reporting. That's not a good thing either.
The RG in this article notes that we're talking about report. That shows journalistic integrity. However, do we believe the local Muslims are reporting more because they feel more free to report? Imagine telling them that their increased reports are only because they feel more free to report, there actually hasn't been more hate crimes and aggression against them. Can we say that?
Making American great has included a long history of hate for one group or another: Chinese, Japanese, Irish, Catholics, Blacks, Gays (who did I miss?). And each time there were assumed good reasons for doing so. Some Whites think they are now the endangered group. Maybe they just feel more free to report.