Radicalization and Deradicalization When Mental Health and Group Hate Could be Associated

Hate is a dangerous thing and when allowed to fester it can be inherently destructive to individuals, communities and society at large. It can be difficult for people to understand the deeper roots of hate and why it is important not to encourage such behaviors explicitly or implicitly. Whether we are discussing individual or group hate learning how to minimize its devastating impact can lead to greater societal togetherness and effectiveness of outcomes. Below is information in individual hate, group level hate, radicalization of groups, and deradicalization method.

Individual Hate and Mental Health:

First, while hate isn't necessarily always mental health it is often a contributory factor in consistent erroneous conclusions. In a hypothetical example I have been using, hate was first launched by mental health issues that were associated with bullying, belittling, rudeness, selfishness, so and so forth. Dark triad perspectives can make their way from individuals to social context.

Such existing poor behaviors were signs that those who started and encourage hate had prior mental health issues and no real intent on fixing themselves so as to create higher prosocial outcomes. Is Extreme Racism a Mental Illness? When people engage in extreme hate it impacts their brain functions and activates networks that seem to cater to their deeper mental dysfunctions.  Neural Correlates of Hate

Group Level Hate: 

Secondly, hate is very dangerous on a group level. A study discusses hate in sports, hate of others, other groups, etc. In the example, the group that launched a hate campaign were highly involved in sports and while the hate in this hypothetical example has subsided on this level, they are still very much tied into their cultic type perception of others and stubbornly maintain their own rules, norms, and social structure that could lead to more hate in the future against weaker targets. Such correction is dependent on social learning and the infusion of critical thinking. “Ingroup love” and “outgroup hate” in intergroup conflict between natural groups

Radicalization of Groups:

Third, unchecked radicalization can grow without appropriate challenge. We have seen this in the January 6th sacking of the capital and we see this within some of our hometowns. Thus, it is important to understand how the dysfunction of one can sometimes lead to the dysfunction of others. Radicalization of staunch ideologies can lead to all types of other issues when positions of authority and hate are mixed together. Laws, norms and rules can justify the unjustifiable where they were inherently started with false premises. What Do Former Extremists and Their Families Say About Radicalization and Deradicalization in America?

Deradicalization Models: 

Because radicalization results from social networks and reliance on a hate narrative (misinformation in social networks and online) it is important to encourage deradicalization of such groups making a pathway to hate through more appropriate feedback. Research has shown that misinformation and social networks are often part of the group hate assumptions and critical thinking is often missing (i.e. going back to the same root assumption without double checking. i.e. this person or all those people are like X or Z beliefs which skipping some of the logical steps that lead to a rational conclusion.) Thus, I might use the term Theory of Mirrors (In this sense social mirrors) because some people are unable to think critically about themselves and those they see as different and less worthy of civility.

Contrary to popular opinion, any group can be radicalized if they gain a sense of legitimacy and self confirm beliefs through poor wider false anchoring's of symbolism.  Reflecting back accurate information can and does lead to greater insight and alternative anchoring that not only highlights the danger of such beliefs but its impact on fostering hate on an individual or group level. Bringing people back to their root assumptions and challenging them can make a big difference. 

Deradicalizing a group is not an easy task and comes with perils and dangers themselves for those trying to help others. Somewhere along the line they may have filled in a blank with biased preexisting poor assumptions and getting back to that root assumption is risky at best. Breaking up the Bubble: Improving critical thinking skills and tolerance of ambiguity in deradicalization mentoring.

‘The beast does but know, but the man knows that he knows.’ John Donne(1628)

What WE Stand For:

In this country we believe in freedom of religion and freedom of speech for a reason and those who misuse that are not following the supreme laws of the land. It is also a sign that something can be amiss in some groups and their distorted perceptions. When we stand for our oaths we should do so with diligence to the universal principles we all swore to uphold. Makes no difference what is going on in the world, in politics, or within our own heads. 

Let us not make the world's problems our problems by bringing them here to a land of freedom. Peace is the path and togetherness in support of these shared universal principles that lead to greater prosperity of society. One's religion or politics should not factor into that least they derail the process of critical thinking and essential philosophical truths. Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Black, White, Brown, etc...all human life is precious.

"Without freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech." Benjamin Franklin