EXTREMISM

EXTREMISM

Extremism is the certainty in notions that are far from what most individuals consider right or rational. Actually, it also means motivating something to the point of being extreme. It is a controversial issue that has raised anxiety around the globe. Individuals and societies are concerned that the situation might get worse in the nearest future. Most aspects of society ranging from religion to urban settings are to a great extent getting affected by extremism. Apparently, governments have declared the matter an international disaster. Although plans are underway to handle the problem appropriately, its influence seems to spread tremendously.
To get indulged in extremism people from a particular culture tend to opt for an aspect that is common in the society and eventually thrives on manipulating its purpose. In the long run, such individuals start developing a criterion whereby to be part of their faction; you need to start performing duties pertaining the aspect beyond normal circumstances. With time, the whole process becomes a custom in definite places in society, and the influence starts spreading immensely. Those who showcase prospects of refusal or opposition are considered outcasts. Nowadays, extremism has become so intense such that the perpetrators get involved in violence as a way of defending their traditions or enhancing its purpose. (Buckley, Schary, DeCaprio, RKO, and Hoover 2008)
About the social identity theory, the behavior of an individual or groups can get examined by classification.

The theory was proposed by Tajfel who claimed that the factions which individuals fit in were a crucial source of self-esteem and pride. They provided people with identity in the society and a sense of recognition. The hypothesis of the theory is that individuals belonging in an in-group will seek pessimistic traits of an out-group and utilize that to develop their image. Thus, it is clear that most of the people who get involved in extremism are either inspired by fanaticism or determination to create the concept. They believe that certainty in notions that are far from what most individuals consider rational is close to actual realism. Such people claim that people who are non-extremists have no agenda and their existence is meaningless. In fact, according to them, they are better non-existent.
Furthermore, the social identity theory plays a vital role in comprehending how people are basically motivated by similar mechanisms and wants as other groups. Due to that, it is necessary for analysts to examine groups such as terrorists with objectiveness and even compassion. The standards of the social identity theory are essential in examining all types of groups instead of analyzing only Islamic extremists. Currently, the term extremism is common in religion and politics because the two are requisite to each other. The phenomenon is complex although without keen attention it is difficult to notice and comprehend. Its nature can only get determined by politics, and the definition of such a concept is a political and independent matter. To be precise, it is inappropriate to declare that matters concerning extremism are bound to be over soon because honestly, the challenges began way back in time when man’s most efficient means of communication was through messengers and other traditional forms. (Willis 2011)
For instance, religious extremism has taken the center stage and is a topic of discussion in all factions, institutions and households around the world. What is more concerning is the atrocities witnessed in some societies because of religious extremists especially Muslims. For a while now, conflicts regarding Islam are taking place in some parts of the globe most notably the Middle-East. It is clear now that religious extremism has paved the way for terrorism a factor which possesses a threat of global conflict. The extremists get involved in violent activities such as brutality using weapons of mass destruction, clandestine use of torture and the informal authorization of brutal force by authorities. Such conundrums are taking place with claims that Islam is the actual religion and others are a hoax.
Individuals responsible for such unprecedented actions have political ties meaning that their deeds go unpunished in the societies they reside in since they have connections and are well respected. They engage violent measures, and the groups have different perceptions of preference for violence approaches, the magnitude of violence they bring about and the target audience that is affected. (Deffuant, Amblard, Weisbuch and Faure 2002)
With power, an individual or faction has the capability of doing what they desire and accomplishing any ambition he or she has. Such a point of view is what makes religious extremism dangerous because it goes hand in hand with politics. The main problem is the fact that in most countries freedom of worship is a policy that has been implemented and leaders are encouraging the rest of the world with strict doctrines and policies related religion to amend them and adapt to change. The individuals closely tied to their customs and traditions consider that an intimidation and in response opt for violence as means of airing their views.
According to them, everybody is expected to live and abide by one religion that governs every phase in life. Whoever opposes such a notion is susceptible to violence. In Islam groups such as Jihadists and Hamas are common and although they are constantly regarded as unified and absolutely evil, it is vital to identify that they might be indecisive psychologically. Furthermore, before making a judgmental call about the tyrannical actions of the individuals, I am recommended that you have to understand the reason that has caused them to be so vicious and ill-minded. (Iannaccone and Berman 2006)
Their activities involving suicide bombing, mass murder of people and brutality is proof that the religious extremists are inhumane. Hence my question does their supreme being approve of all the atrocities they commit, or he is just ignorant? In my opinion, there is no logic explanation of why people are extremists or why they motive actions to the point of being extreme. It is simply a manner of standing out from the rest and doing things in a way that is unique and unorthodox.
Eventually, the main problem that extremism exhibit in circumstances of prolonged conflict is minimally the impact of actions (that are a great concern) but to a great degree the static, closed and chauvinistic nature of attitudes by extremists and their consequent resistance to change. It is evident that extremist groups comprise of people who are radicalized. The term is accurately utilized to refer to those who are willing to promote violence against the will of the society or community. It is also used to describe people or groups that utilize violence to impose the backbone of authorities and governments.
From an intellectual perspective, extremism is either moral or immoral, and it changes as circumstances change. It is impossible to justify extremism because the culprits behind the whole thing are driven by an ulterior motive of violence. In the United States, extremism is common in social facets. It is a country comprising of people from all walks of life and races hence extremists are heterogeneous and categorized according to their culture. The groups vary and they include cults, religion, gang affiliated, political, and urban among others. Some of the individuals and factions have associated in violent activities that bring harm to the society. Due to that, the government has taken an initiative of establishing policies that ensure they punished by law. (James 2007)
In conclusion, extremism is a social mayhem that is becoming a nuisance in most parts of the world. The impact caused by its actions is tremendous and if the situation is not rectified the consequences might be worse than the current state. It is recommended that campaigns should be introduced to fight extremism and instead enhance peace and reliable solutions.
References
Buckley, W. F., Schary, D., DeCaprio, A., RKO General, Inc., & Hoover Institution Video Library. (2008). Extremism. Stanford, Calif: Hoover Institution Video Library, Stanford University
Deffuant, G., Amblard, F., Weisbuch, G., & Faure, T. (2002). “How can extremism prevail? A study based on the relative agreement interaction model”. Journal of artificial societies and social simulation, 5(4).
Iannaccone, L. R., & Berman, E. (2006). Religious extremism: The good, the bad, and the deadly. Public Choice, 128(1-2), 109-129.
James, O. (2007). Religious extremism. North Mankato, Minn: Smart Apple Media
Willis, L. (2011). Extremism. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.
.