How do we Fight Extremism?
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 3.3.19
How do we Fight Extremism?
It is widely agreed that extremism is anti-democratic, and often violent. For this reason most societies fight against it.
The Southern Poverty Law Centre
- The Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC) is an organisation based in Alabama in the United States.
- The centre works to promote civil rights and tolerance and to oppose hatred and extremism.
- The SPLC provides a good example of the steps that need to be taken to oppose extremism.
Seeking justice
- Extremism feeds off injustice.
- A society where some people feel they are treated unfairly is a breeding ground for extremism.
- If people feel that they can never improve their situation then they feel they have no alternative.
- A society built on justice is less likely to witness extremism.
Fighting hate
- We have seen that extremism also feeds off hate.
- Hitler fostered hatred of the Jews, and neo-Nazi groups continue to do the same.
- A recent example of this is the racist abuse of black England football players after the UEFA final.
- People saw how extreme, hateful language was used to promote racial division.