Last week, Chicago-based nonprofit Life After Hate launched HateEraser—the first aerosol-gel based formula designed to quickly eradicate hate speech from most surfaces.
Life After Hate launched the product on the International Day for Tolerance, in response to a reported 600% rise in hate-based graffiti.
The organisation is partnering with police stations across the country to distribute HateEraser as part of a new programme 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, according to Life After 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."
The HateEraser formula contains acetone, xylene, and multiple varieties of alcohol and hydrocarbons. Chemistry Professor at Savannah Technical College Ujjvala Bagal said the unique combination of active ingredients removes hateful markings as quickly as they were made.
The cans were designed by street artists from across the country to help inspire change in their communities, with every design telling 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. "And I'm proud to be a part of something that makes real change in my community."
New HateEraser aerosol gel combats hate-based graffiti
