Being culturally aware and knowing lots of people helps us understand the shared similarities of people across different cultures and backgrounds. The one thing that seems to separate good people from bad people is a concept called empathy. It is the ability to see others just as valuable as one may see themselves. The worst I have seen are extremist leaning who view others as less worthy and not entitled to the same rights as they lavish on themselves. The best of I have seen are positive oriented empathetic people go above and beyond what is expected to help others.
First, let us be clear anyone from any race or religion can be an extremist. There are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and just about any other religion that can have some level of extremism (Its not based in the religion but the psychology of the person and or a group using religious or ideological justifications.). There appears to be a certain percentage of people who are willing to run in that direction based on misperceptions of their own value and in turn the value of others. The world they cling to is a distorted one and it is often a disruptive to the peace and tranquility of others.
However, of that distorted subsection there is a smaller but noticeable percentage that will use intimidation, potential violence, and other illicit behaviors to harm those they see as different. No one is immune to such behaviors when groups are targeted (minorities, intellectuals, children, people who rightful correct, etc.) laws are thwarted, fights are encourage, self-enrichment and all the major sins become justifiable. The goal of punishing others for perceived wrongs at the expense of any check and balance in conscious or law is important and interesting concept that indicates deeper psychological catalysts beyond the ideology.
We don't often see it this way but the goal of extremist is to limit access to things that are seen as important to societies that rely on positive civilian participation. For example, governance/voting, societal participation, worship, opportunity, a sense of safety and security, etc. They do so using group pressure, uncivilized behaviors, hate speech/defamation, and if necessary misapplication of laws designed to ensure group dominance over others (typically minorities or those of different religions or political perspectives).
In my limited perceptions of what America should look like, we should strive for a universal democracy as a layer of progression. Its not a lofty radical conception but what we are destined to when leadership starts rowing in the same direction to build a healthy, adaptable and high functioning society. While I can go into many reasons that can be supported by research it is not the intent of this article. its just to raise the idea and argument. We need a singular vision for the nation that appeals to Republicans and Democrats alike.
I support a free people who can practice their religion in any way they want, born the way God created them (whatever perception of God) a separation between Church (Church, Mosque, Temple, Synagogue, etc.) and state so we all may live and be free as a people with maximum liberty against the protective layer of justice. Not everyone believes in those central American conceptions based rooted in the founding of the country.
Americans should be lovers of freedom of speech and religion, lovers of the intellectual exploration, lovers of developing opportunity, lovers of civic engagement, lovers of children, and lovers of community health and people. To me America should be the society that emulates the values we want the rest of the world to believe in and resonate with. As we struggle with extremism we should keep in mind that America as built by many people and not just the people who look like and worship like the person in the mirror.
This isn't a specific comment to any entity but a broader conception of freedom for general consumption. One in which I strive and encourage others to strive. In edit process.
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