Psychology of Extremism
A book I have, "Denying History," has a chapter on the psychology of extremism. It says that whether left-wing or right, the underlying psychology is the same.
In regard to politics and religion, there are usually no issues with moderates. While maintaining their beliefs, they are mature enough to understand that there are as many opinions as there are people. This is especially true in a democracy, which is the representation of many voices - "E pluribus unum" - Out of Many, One.
Orwell wrote that in order to solve problems, a person must see the world “clearly,” i.e., objectively. One must become aware of all forms of propaganda, overt and otherwise.
We are so used to hate, we aren’t even aware we do it.
Patronizing someone for what they think is one example. We see it on Facebook everyday. As Orwell pointed out, this behavior is the antithesis of what a true democracy is about, because beliefs that are intolerant and expect everyone to think alike are totalitarian in nature.
Blaming a single group of people for all our nation’s problems, whether Republican or Democrat, is another example. All it does is give one a sanctimonious ego boost, and does nothing to create an atmosphere of understanding where people can engage in rational, open-minded discussion. In fact, the animosity it creates inhibits rational thought.
If this was the 1950’s south, these sorts would be blaming Blacks. In 1930s Germany, it would be the Jews.
Getting extremist-types to see objectively is generally an exercise in futility. If it’s a liberal extremist, you are automatically an enemy, a Republican. The same holds true with conservative extremists.
Personally, I feel there will be no real progress until the underlying pathology is dealt with, but even that is a point of contention. Some hope that in the long-run, better awareness, over time, will help alleviate many of these problems. The other camp feels that changing human nature is impossible – and so it goes.
g.f.s - FB August 3, 2015
http://www.holocaust-trc.org/denying-history/ Denying History: Who Says the Holocaust Never Happened and Why Do They Say It?
In regard to politics and religion, there are usually no issues with moderates. While maintaining their beliefs, they are mature enough to understand that there are as many opinions as there are people. This is especially true in a democracy, which is the representation of many voices - "E pluribus unum" - Out of Many, One.
Orwell wrote that in order to solve problems, a person must see the world “clearly,” i.e., objectively. One must become aware of all forms of propaganda, overt and otherwise.
We are so used to hate, we aren’t even aware we do it.
Patronizing someone for what they think is one example. We see it on Facebook everyday. As Orwell pointed out, this behavior is the antithesis of what a true democracy is about, because beliefs that are intolerant and expect everyone to think alike are totalitarian in nature.
Blaming a single group of people for all our nation’s problems, whether Republican or Democrat, is another example. All it does is give one a sanctimonious ego boost, and does nothing to create an atmosphere of understanding where people can engage in rational, open-minded discussion. In fact, the animosity it creates inhibits rational thought.
If this was the 1950’s south, these sorts would be blaming Blacks. In 1930s Germany, it would be the Jews.
Getting extremist-types to see objectively is generally an exercise in futility. If it’s a liberal extremist, you are automatically an enemy, a Republican. The same holds true with conservative extremists.
Personally, I feel there will be no real progress until the underlying pathology is dealt with, but even that is a point of contention. Some hope that in the long-run, better awareness, over time, will help alleviate many of these problems. The other camp feels that changing human nature is impossible – and so it goes.
g.f.s - FB August 3, 2015
http://www.holocaust-trc.org/denying-history/ Denying History: Who Says the Holocaust Never Happened and Why Do They Say It?