SHERMAN “HERM” SCHMERMELSON, 28, JACKSON HEIGHTS

Sound of the Sidewalk: We all know that “Haters Gonna Hate.” But is there anything we, as a society, could do to stop them from hating?
When it comes to haters, I’m not what one would call ecumenical. I like to take each hater on a case-by-case basis. I’ve read a lot of Gramsci and Marcuse, and the point that often gets lost is that hatred is not hatred so long as it’s performed in the name of social justice.
But doesn’t hate only lead to more hate?
No, good hate kills bad hate.
Isn’t that like fighting fire with fire?
No, stupid—it’s like fighting bad fire with good fire.

JEREMIAH “ROOSTER” McMOCKINGBIRD, 37, STATEN ISLAND

Sound of the Sidewalk: How do you feel about hate?
I hate it.
What can we do to stop it?
Hate it back. Harder.
Do you think we’ll see the end of hate in our lifetime?
Once all the haters die, yes.

VACLAV DIPHTHONG, 29, BATTERY PARK

Sound of the Sidewalk: You’ve heard the saying, “Haters Gonna Hate,” right?
Yes. I hate it.
Does that make you a hater?
It makes me a TRIPLE-hater. First there’s the hating of the hate, then I hate the whole phrase. That’s three times the hate.
If you could tell the kids coming up on the streets and sidewalks of New York City how to stop the hate, what would you tell them?
Avoid stupid slogans like “Haters Gonna Hate.”

TELSTAR GINGERONI, 21, FORDHAM

Sound of the Sidewalk: How do we stop the hate?
We organize.
We organize?
Yes, that’s the first step. Then we consult. Then we propose. Then we vote. Then we workshop. Then we communicate. Then we take action.
And how do you take action?
We find the haters and assault them.
What if they assault you back?
Then we sue them.

—SOUND OF THE SIDEWALK

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