What defines someone who is an extremist? It seems to me that whatever one finds "extreme" labels someone an extremist, but is this not purely subjective? For example, as probably some of you have gathered from my posts, I am a conservative. So at what point does a conservative become an extremist or at what point does a left winger become the same?
Originally posted by whodeyExtremism is when someone is willing to take an extreme action based on a belief. The extremist will act on this belief and never consider that he might be wrong. A good example would be someone that kills abortion doctors. A lot of people are branded as extremists because of a point of view, but I don't think this is a good use for the term. People believe what they belive because of experience and what they have been intellectually exposed to. What is extreme to one person is right on the money to another. So the people that misuse the term are in effect trying to make it look like most people are on their side so they must be right and they self affirm that way.
What defines someone who is an extremist? It seems to me that whatever one finds "extreme" labels someone an extremist, but is this not purely subjective? For example, as probably some of you have gathered from my posts, I am a conservative. So at what point does a conservative become an extremist or at what point does a left winger become the same?
Originally posted by joe beyserAgreed. For the most part, I think the term is a nice way to demonize cetain actions or beliefs or even people.
Extremism is when someone is willing to take an extreme action based on a belief. The extremist will act on this belief and never consider that he might be wrong. A good example would be someone that kills abortion doctors. A lot of people are branded as extremists because of a point of view, but I don't think this is a good use for the term. People belie ...[text shortened]... it look like most people are on their side so they must be right and they self affirm that way.
Originally posted by whodeyYou are exactly right on that. It is kind of a way that people outcast others, and at the same time self affirm. I wish FMF would start talking to me again so I can get some more vocabulary.🙂
Agreed. For the most part, I think the term is a nice way to demonize cetain actions or beliefs or even people.
Extremism is generally any action you would consider a violation of something you believe in.
However, I think nowadays, extremism has been coupled with fundamentalism (having no sense of irony about that which you believe in).
So, someone who is willing to use undemocratic means to change a democracy is an extremist.
And someone who believes in those undemocratic means and doesn't question them, although not neccesarily active, is also an extremist. Nowadays.
To me, personally, I find the US extremist in both senses.
And many US citizens will consider me an extremist.
This means that extremism is relative to where you stand. For example:
How many US citizens would consider themselves imperialistic Christian extremists?
How many Taliban fighters will refer to themselves as extremist?
Totally unlike Darth Vader when he speaks of "the dark side".
Originally posted by joe beyserAgreed, to a point, but would we not also class those who support but might not carry out extreme actions as extremists? So, as well as those who murder abortion doctors, those who speak out in support of such killings might well be considered as extremists. (Or is the speaking out itself an extreme action, perhaps?)
Extremism is when someone is willing to take an extreme action based on a belief. The extremist will act on this belief and never consider that he might be wrong. A good example would be someone that kills abortion doctors. A lot of people are branded as extremists because of a point of view, but I don't think this is a good use for the term. People belie ...[text shortened]... it look like most people are on their side so they must be right and they self affirm that way.
And what about those who support the actions of such murderers and believe them to be wholly justified? That's an extreme view, but does that make the holder an extremist?
Originally posted by DrKFI agree with what you said here. Viewpoints can be extremist.
Agreed, to a point, but would we not also class those who support but might not carry out extreme actions as extremists? So, as well as those who murder abortion doctors, those who speak out in support of such killings might well be considered as extremists. (Or is the speaking out itself an extreme action, perhaps?)
And what about those who support t ...[text shortened]... hem to be wholly justified? That's an extreme view, but does that make the holder an extremist?
1. Visionaries & Nutcases -- a person who proposes radical change - something that goes well beyond anything being debated within the mainstream. Some of the nuttier ideas of Dennis Kucinich or Newt Gingrich fall into this category.
2. Subversives -- a person with mainstream views, but who chooses a radical means of advancing it, such as using violence. But this category could also include non-violent protests that ML King used.
3. Alarmists and Paranoids -- a person with mainstream views, but who portrays the opposition in a way that gets people angry and scared, in hopes of generating a revolt. Talkshow hosts like Rush Limbaugh fall into this category, as would Michael Moore. The concern is that people in category #3 might inspire the violent people in category #2 to act.
Originally posted by MelanerpesSo what if the alarmist and paranoid types are right? In addition, what if they plead with people to move peacefully?
1. Visionaries & Nutcases -- a person who proposes radical change - something that goes well beyond anything being debated within the mainstream. Some of the nuttier ideas of Dennis Kucinich or Newt Gingrich fall into this category.
2. Subversives -- a person with mainstream views, but who chooses a radical means of advancing it, such as using violence ...[text shortened]... he concern is that people in category #3 might inspire the violent people in category #2 to act.
I like the comparison of the viosionary and nutcases. Does one have to be a nutcase to swim against the current of the average clone so they can all arrive at the same pool of water to wait and die? LOL.
Originally posted by whodeyI can answer this one for Mel:
So what if the alarmist and paranoid types are right? In addition, what if they plead with people to move peacefully?
I like the comparison of the viosionary and nutcases. Does one have to be a nutcase to swim against the current of the average clone so they can all arrive at the same pool of water to wait and die? LOL.
"Go and live on an island in the middle of the sea"
That's one of her standard replies.
Originally posted by whodeyIf the "alarmists" (or the "nutcases" ) can make a strong case, their views will gradually become part of the mainstream debate.
So what if the alarmist and paranoid types are right? In addition, what if they plead with people to move peacefully?
I like the comparison of the viosionary and nutcases. Does one have to be a nutcase to swim against the current of the average clone? LOL.
Almost every major change began as an extremist movement. In the beginning, ML King was considered by many to be a nutcase