Extremism - a tendency or disposition to go to extremes or an instance of going to extremes, esp. in political matters: leftist extremism; the extremism of the Nazis.
Extremists are usually individuals or groups who violate “common moral standards”. It particularly applies to politics or religion.
We live in a society that accepts most cultures and with so many races in our country; you can look around and see this. I am of Chinese background. One of my best friends is Caucasian, and the other, a mix of Indian and Scottish. My boyfriend is half Aboriginal. So you wouldn’t call me racist or xenophobic.
Extremists are usually individuals or groups who violate “common moral standards”. It particularly applies to politics or religion.
We live in a society that accepts most cultures and with so many races in our country; you can look around and see this. I am of Chinese background. One of my best friends is Caucasian, and the other, a mix of Indian and Scottish. My boyfriend is half Aboriginal. So you wouldn’t call me racist or xenophobic.
But, generally, is Australia accepting of other cultures? When Pauline Hanson started the “One Nation” party, was she being racist? We know now she was unsuccessful at gaining an “all white nation” but she still had an influence, and so started other “right wing” political parties with anti-elitism views though not as populist as “One Nation”.
The Australian First Party was formed in 1996 to “unite Australians” and “abolish multiculturalism”. Their eight core policies can be found on their website, but be warned, if you live in Australia, you may find this site appropriate at first glance, keep reading and don’t be fooled by their clever words such as protect, regain, secure [for Australians]. They encourage supporters of their movement and have even provided extra websites to attract more memebers.
However, it is just as easy to say that other cultures do not respect the Australian way of life as much as Australians do not accept their culture, it goes both ways.
Before I started this blog, I ignorantly thought to myself “I don’t have an opinion about extremism. Why should I care, it doesn’t have anything to do with me?” But after much research, I found that I am very much involved in this issue. Coming from Chinese background, you may think I have a biased view, which in a way is quite true. Yes I believe in multiculturalism, and am against racism but I think to an extent most people are. And xenophobes probably do not regard themselves as racist, rather they are traditionalists.
It is safe to assume, the infamous hate group, Ku Klux Klan (KKK), are not just portraying themselves as traditionalists. Their aim is “to protect White Americans of Protestant faith” through violence and intimidation. They are against African Americans, Jews, Catholics, immigrants, homosexuals, and other minorities. Would you consider them an extremists group or a cult?
What about something a little less political, would you consider Scientology a religion or a cult? (... or just f***ing nuts?) The way Tom Cruise depicts his beliefs seems beyond extreme. The media has criticised his way of life and suggested that he has brainwashed his wife, A-list celebrity, Katie Holmes and their daughter Suri.
What about something a little less political, would you consider Scientology a religion or a cult? (... or just f***ing nuts?) The way Tom Cruise depicts his beliefs seems beyond extreme. The media has criticised his way of life and suggested that he has brainwashed his wife, A-list celebrity, Katie Holmes and their daughter Suri.
It is apparant that these extremists groups are using the internet to re-inforce their movements. They are able to reach supporters globally and thus increase their member numbers.
There are many groups out there who others believe they are extremists but doubtfully, the group itself sees themselves that way. Extremists or extremism is usually a title given to individuals or groups rather than the group applying the title upon themselves. We all put a label on others in society just by the way they look. Even if you are not part an official group, society judge “fat people, emos, typical blondes, homeless people, etc” don’t even try and say you haven’t.
There are many groups out there who others believe they are extremists but doubtfully, the group itself sees themselves that way. Extremists or extremism is usually a title given to individuals or groups rather than the group applying the title upon themselves. We all put a label on others in society just by the way they look. Even if you are not part an official group, society judge “fat people, emos, typical blondes, homeless people, etc” don’t even try and say you haven’t.
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