I am an Extremist. Are You?

"Extremism is my identity. I live it, breathe it, and embrace it. And so do you."

This statement may seem unsettling. But if you take a moment to reflect, you might realize that every person, at some point, embodies extremism. Whether it’s about religion, culture, tribe, race, or the causes we are passionate about, we all find ourselves navigating the lines between our beliefs and those of others. But how do we define extremism, and why does it have such a hold on us?

What is Extremism?

Extremism is commonly understood as the holding of extreme political, religious, or ideological beliefs. It often refers to attitudes and behaviors that deviate far from what is considered normal or acceptable. In many cases, it implies a rejection of other people's views, leading to conflict, isolation, or even violence.

However, extremism isn’t always about violence. It's broader and more nuanced than we tend to think. It can be found in the subtle ways we isolate ourselves from others, the ways we draw lines between “us” and “them,” and the way we protect our ideals at any cost.

Forms of Extremism: From Religion to Disability Rights

Religious Extremism

Religious extremism is perhaps the most well-known form. When people believe their faith is the only truth, they sometimes take extreme actions to protect or spread it. This can manifest in acts of terrorism, but it also exists in everyday actions that isolate believers from others. Religious fundamentalists may view those outside their faith as immoral or even evil, a viewpoint that creates division and conflict. Think of the countless religious wars and acts of terrorism carried out in the name of faith throughout history.

Cultural and Tribal Extremism

Culture and tribalism are other areas where extremism flourishes. We often pride ourselves on our traditions and cultural heritage, but when this pride turns into disdain for other cultures, it becomes a form of extremism. Cultural extremists may see any deviation from their customs as a threat, isolating those who do not conform to their norms. This isolation creates social niches where only certain people "fit." Take, for instance, the ongoing struggles between tribal communities in regions like South Sudan, where tribal allegiances have led to ongoing conflict and societal division.

Racial and Nationalistic Extremism

Racism is one of the most damaging forms of extremism. Those who believe that their race is superior may engage in discriminatory or even violent behavior towards others. The rise of white supremacy movements in the West serves as a stark reminder of how extremism can fracture societies. Nationalism, too, can take on extreme forms, leading individuals to believe their country is superior to all others, fostering isolationism and xenophobia. The consequences of nationalistic extremism are evident in recent conflicts fueled by identity politics and intolerance, such as Brexit, which brought with it a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment in the UK.

Disability Activism, a form of Passionate Extremism?

Even within activism, extremism can exist. Take disability rights. When someone becomes so passionate about disability advocacy, they may isolate themselves from those who don’t share the same drive. This kind of single-minded dedication, though often well-meaning, can unintentionally create barriers. Passion for an issue can push us to see others as "ignorant" or even "heartless" if they don’t support our cause with the same zeal.

For instance, Judith Heumann, a renowned disability rights activist, dedicated her life to fighting for the inclusion of disabled individuals in every aspect of society. While her work has undeniably been transformative, it serves as a reminder of how passionate extremism can sometimes lead to social isolation, especially if others are viewed as not committed enough to the cause.

Passion: The Core of Extremism

Extremism is often rooted in passion, but passion can blind us. When we believe so strongly in a cause, whether it’s environmental activism, racial justice, or disability rights, we may find ourselves dismissing those who don’t share our commitment. This isn't to say that passion is wrong. Rather, it's important to recognize that when our passion isolates us from others, it can verge on extremism.

Social Niches and the Rise of Extremist Identity

In today's hyperconnected world, it's easier than ever to find like-minded people and form social niches. Whether it's through online forums, community groups, or social media, we can easily surround ourselves with people who share our beliefs and passions. These echo- chambers reinforce our views and help us build identities based on them.

But there’s a downside. When we spend all our time with people who think like us, we may begin to regard others as outsiders. This isolation fosters division, and soon we start to see those outside our group as unworthy of our respect. We might even go so far as to label them “evil” or “ignorant,” fueling the very extremism we seek to fight against.

Case Study: Isolating Disability Advocacy

For example, within the disability advocacy space, some might see those who aren’t actively engaged as part of the problem. Disability rights advocates can create a close-knit, niche community that becomes resistant to outside perspectives. It’s easy to see those outside this sphere as indifferent to the struggles of disabled individuals, even if they are simply unaware of the issues. This can create an unintended barrier, where advocates see themselves as warriors against an unfeeling world, rather than engaging with others to build broader understanding.

The Danger of Extremism in Childhood and Disability

How does this extremism affect children, particularly those with disabilities? Extremist thinking can have profound consequences on the most vulnerable in society. When a community or individual is isolated by extreme beliefs, children growing up within that environment may learn to fear or distrust anyone outside their niche.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of extremism. When they grow up in environments where isolationist thinking prevails, they learn to see the world in black and white. For children with disabilities, the problem is magnified, as they may already face exclusion due to societal prejudices. Growing up in an extreme environment only exacerbates their isolation.

Children with disabilities, in particular, are often excluded from mainstream society due to extreme beliefs about disability. In some communities, disability is seen as a curse or divine punishment, resulting in the isolation of these children. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability, yet they are one of the most marginalized groups. This marginalization stems from extreme cultural beliefs that see disabilities as something to be ashamed of.

Are We All Extremists?

The truth is, extremism exists in each of us. Whether it's our passion for religion, our love for our culture, or our dedication to social causes, we are all extremists in one way or another. We create niches, draw lines, and, sometimes, regard others as outsiders. But is this always a bad thing?

Extremism: Good or Bad?

Extremism, when channeled constructively, can lead to positive change. Passionate individuals like Malcom X, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela were extremists in their own right, fighting against the status quo to create a better society. However, extremism becomes dangerous when it leads to isolation, hatred, and violence.

The Impact of Extremism on Society

In society, extreme ideas can fracture communities, fuel prejudice, and create barriers to understanding. Extremism often leads to a "them vs. us" mentality, creating a sense of superiority in those who view their beliefs as the ultimate truth. This mindset fosters hostility toward those who think differently, reinforcing stereotypes, discrimination, and even violence. In all these forms of extremism, the common result is the polarization of communities.

A key issue with extremism is that it thrives on division. Instead of fostering dialogue, it shuts down conversation. When we are so deeply invested in our beliefs that we refuse to listen to others, we become part of the problem rather than the solution. We stop seeing people as individuals and begin labeling them as outsiders, traitors, or even enemies. In such an environment, cooperation becomes impossible, and social cohesion disintegrates.

This breakdown of community is especially evident in societies dealing with tribalism or racial extremism. For instance, many conflicts across Africa, such as those in Rwanda and Nigeria, have been fueled by extreme tribal or ethnic loyalties, leading to violent clashes and long-term societal fragmentation. Political and nationalistic extremism has also led to rising tensions globally. This can be seen in movements advocating isolationism and anti-immigration policies, which limit cultural integration and understanding.

Beyond the physical conflict, extremism creates psychological barriers. When people become entrenched in their worldview, they fail to acknowledge the humanity of others, which breeds alienation and distrust. These divisions aren’t just detrimental to public discourse, they erode the very fabric of democracy, making it difficult to reach consensus or find common ground.

Communities that encourage dialogue, empathy, and understanding, on the other hand, are more resilient and unified. They recognize that diversity of thought, culture, and experience is an asset, not a threat. To move forward as a society, we need to embrace inclusivity and reject the isolating tendencies of extremism.

Conclusion

In the end, extremism isn’t inherently good or bad. It's the way we express our beliefs that makes the difference. While passion is essential to bringing about change, it’s important to maintain an open mind and a willingness to listen to others. We must ask ourselves, “Am I an extremist?” And if the answer is yes, we should strive to balance our passion with empathy.

Extremism shapes the world in profound ways, but it’s up to us to decide whether it leads to positive change or destructive division. Let’s ensure our passion unites rather than divides. After all, it's only through understanding and collaboration that we can truly build a better world for everyone, especially those who need it most, like children with disabilities.