There’s a fire burning inside some people. We see the spark turn into a blast of heat in an instant when certain topics are brought up; just like that, the most normal person can let loose with a barrage of extreme views.
This week, we’re talking about extremists: what constitutes an extremist, why people become so extreme about certain things, and…what we can do about it. Whether it’s an angry group in the streets or people spewing anger on Facebook, extremism comes in many forms. There are the stereotypes: Islamic terrorists and other religious zealots hellbent of destruction and hate; eco-terrorists and racists. These are the extreme of the extreme, but everyday people are not immune to extremism.
Angry Christians and angry atheists are doing battle right now, online. Same thing with political battles and so many other topics. Ask for a long discussion about classic art online and you may not get a single reply, but type “Gun control: yes or no?” and watch the floodwaters rise. (And yep, we talk about gun control in this episode!)
We ask if there’s an increase in extremism, or if it only seems that way because it’s now so easy to be heard online. Are the most extreme people on different sides of an issue that different, or are they united by that fire burning deep within? We ask if there’s ever a good reason for extremism and even ask ourselves if we have any extreme views. We chat about extremists many don’t think to be extremists before discussing what we think is the most dangerous thing about extremism. Finally, we close it all out by asking what can be done to curb extremism.
Dare we say it — this might be the most important episode we’ve ever done…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
I hope I don’t come across as an angry atheist. 🙂 Or an angry vegan. 🙂 Or an angry animal rights activist. 🙂 I’m usually not angry, as I am demonstrating by my liberal 🙂 sprinkling in my comments.
Though I’m not an “extremist” as is defined in this podcast, I concede that I am extreme, but only as defined by others, Did I mention I’m 🙂 ?
Nope, I’ve never seen you as angry. I’ve seen you stand up for what you believe, but I’ve never seen you just be mean or angry with others who think differently. Were you extreme, you’d be furious that an online friend (me) who was totally vegan for over a decade and is still mostly vegan occasionally allows some dairy in when traveling or out and about. You wouldn’t be with your husband because he eats meat and you’d definitely not prepare things for him. I’d say you’re passionate about the things you believe in, and passion is good 🙂
Simply speaking up, to me, is not extreme. Heated conversations can be cool, even among people believing the same things. When Erik Marcus came out in favor of Burger King’s veggie burger, even though the bun contained some trace dairy, there were some heated discussions among vegans — with some people outright mad at the guy. I generally steer clear of even discussions online, but I’ve enjoyed the chats I’ve had with you online and in email…including some chats about things I normally don’t talk about online.
I know plenty of people who think differently than I do who make a good argument, even if I don’t believe what they’re into. For me, it’s simply a matter of priority and how I choose to spend my time. (Which is the topic of next week’s podcast.) I DO sometimes read online discussions and even arguments; I know and have seen very few extremists. I think so much of it, when it comes to violent talk online, is that separation we have behind a keyboard. I was once threatened by a person who said they’d shoot me if they ever saw me in person. When I met them in person, they were sooooooooooo ashamed and sad to be around. Even after inviting them to lunch, the person just hung their head in shame. I think most people, including others online who threaten violence, are like that.
Your reply is extremely pleasing!
I never thought of you as extremist, not even a little. Liberal (or conservative, for that matter) doesn’t equal extremist. Now, if each of your comments was solely crafted to fit an agenda… that would be extreme. But you’ve never come off that way. 😉
Try telling that to my in-laws. On second thought, never mind. 😉
From what I know, they seem a bit more extreme… 😉