Police distributed pamphlets to parents
Calgary police are facing criticism for publishing a pamphlet suggesting that "listening to loud heavy rock music" is linked to participation in hate groups.
The information came in an informational pamphlet aimed at parents, listing signs that their child may be part of a hate group. Other signs include decreased interest in school, staying out late without explanation, violent or withdrawn behavior, among others.
Rock and heavy metal fans criticized the police for relying on the stereotype that listeners of heavy music are violent.
A spokesperson for the Calgary police commented on the controversy: “We are not saying that all people who listen to rock music are part of hate groups, only that there is a correlation trend: people who are involved with hate groups tend to listen to this type of music.”
