We are all too familiar with radicalization these days. It is the process by which an individual or group adopts views so extreme that they involve the use of violence [1].
Those radicalized are willing to use any means to achieve the overthrow of existing systems, whether political, social, or religious [2A][3A]. They swallow then spew forth hate-filled rhetoric, as if it were self-evident truth [2B][3B].
The real question is why? What makes some (especially our young people) vulnerable to radicalization?
The Specter of Hitler
The fantasy/sci-fi series The Twilight Zone was prescient, in this regard [4A].
In an episode by Rod Serling titled “He’s Alive”, which first aired in 1963, an aspiring American Nazi who was once a lonely and abused child receives advice from Adolf Hitler’s specter about how to gain a following:
“Speak to them as if you were a member of the mob, speak to them in their language, on their level. Make their hate your hate. If they are poor, talk to them of poverty. If they are afraid, talk to them of their fears. And if they are angry, Mr. Vollmer, if they are angry give them objects for their anger [4B].”
Not all lonely or abused children become radicalized, of course. Nor were all those who become radicalized formerly lonely and abused children. But there is a clue here.
Vulnerability
Children from all ethnicities and all levels of society can become radicalized.
But those struggling with identity; those who lack purpose; those questioning their place in society; those becoming distanced from their cultural or religious backgrounds are more vulnerable [2C][3C].
Likewise, those isolated; those with low self-esteem; those with family issues; those who have been bullied; and those who have experienced trauma, racism, or discrimination are more vulnerable [2D][3D].
Many of these are the same factors that make children vulnerable to grooming for sexual exploitation.
Children who have difficulty understanding the consequences of their actions; lack empathy for others; are fascinated by conspiracy theories; and/or are obsessed with massacres and mass violence are particularly open to believing extremist claims are the answer to their problems [2E][3E]. Continue reading
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