As I was reading the thread regarding Trump's allegation of Obama wiretapping, some thoughts came up in relation to how both sides in the campaign accused the other of being "extreme." I never actually believed that Trump or Hillary were as "extreme" as some of their opponents paint them, but as I was thinking about the general topic, I wanted to see what others thought about the basic concepts of "moderation" vs. "extremism."
Where is the line between "moderate" and "extremist"?
What makes someone, who might have been raised "moderate" in a politically moderate environment, turn into an "extremist"? An example might be someone like Albert Speer, who was ostensibly moderate while growing up and reaching adulthood, yet still ended up joining the Nazi Party and serving an extremist regime. However, after the war, he expressed regret over his crimes and (like many in his position) tried to claim that he was suckered in - much in the same manner that wayward youth join religious cults or get caught up in street gangs.
But for whatever reason, I find myself skeptical of such explanations. For one thing, it makes moderates seem too naive and easily led. It makes it appear that these otherwise well-meaning, well-adjusted, and innocent people would not have turned into extremists if they had not heard the fiery speeches of a supposedly charismatic leader. It sounds too mystical, though, as if people can be turned from "moderate" to "extremist" through some magical power of the charismatic leader.
In the U.S. experience, we learn about the examples of extremist regimes in other countries and try to put ourselves on guard against it. But when all these politicians and others are labeling each other as "extreme," it tends to confuse things. If we label something or someone as "extreme" when it really isn't, then it may hinder our ability to recognize what truly is extreme or malignant.
While each individual might have their own reasons for becoming extremists, I wonder what exactly happens when there's a power shift to the point where extremists reach a critical mass which is enough to take over an entire society. While there's a lot of talk about extremists on one side or the other, just how worried should anyone be?
Where is the line between "moderate" and "extremist"?
What makes someone, who might have been raised "moderate" in a politically moderate environment, turn into an "extremist"? An example might be someone like Albert Speer, who was ostensibly moderate while growing up and reaching adulthood, yet still ended up joining the Nazi Party and serving an extremist regime. However, after the war, he expressed regret over his crimes and (like many in his position) tried to claim that he was suckered in - much in the same manner that wayward youth join religious cults or get caught up in street gangs.
But for whatever reason, I find myself skeptical of such explanations. For one thing, it makes moderates seem too naive and easily led. It makes it appear that these otherwise well-meaning, well-adjusted, and innocent people would not have turned into extremists if they had not heard the fiery speeches of a supposedly charismatic leader. It sounds too mystical, though, as if people can be turned from "moderate" to "extremist" through some magical power of the charismatic leader.
In the U.S. experience, we learn about the examples of extremist regimes in other countries and try to put ourselves on guard against it. But when all these politicians and others are labeling each other as "extreme," it tends to confuse things. If we label something or someone as "extreme" when it really isn't, then it may hinder our ability to recognize what truly is extreme or malignant.
While each individual might have their own reasons for becoming extremists, I wonder what exactly happens when there's a power shift to the point where extremists reach a critical mass which is enough to take over an entire society. While there's a lot of talk about extremists on one side or the other, just how worried should anyone be?
I don't believe the government does anything right, but sometimes one of the candidates is sabotaging us.)
