A Rebirth of Fanaticism?
Posted: Monday, January 11, 2010
by Terry Mitchell
http://commenterry.blogs.com
Is it just me or does it seem like people on both sides of the political aisle are more fanatical than ever about their views? Perhaps this has been brought on by our current economic climate and/or by the fact we have been engaged in two wars for nearly seven years.
Whatever the cause, I find this development downright scary. In fact, things have gotten so bad now that you don't even have to turn on MSNBC to find left-wing fanatics or Fox News to find right-wing fanatics. They are everywhere!
And it's not just political polarization I'm talking about. Each side seems to believe that its adherents can do no wrong while the adherents to the opposite side can do no right. They have little tolerance for dissenting views and appear content to listen only to those would reinforce their own beliefs. They act as if they cannot possibly be wrong – about anything. This, of course, is illogical. But that's the nature of fanaticism. Any kind of thinking that is not subject to logic and reason can be defined as fanaticism. This Article has been viewed 1,644 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)We are in the most polarizing of times. However, my take is that some simply don't want reconciliation or compromise, that they want things to go their way or no way. This is like the jealous boyfriend who says, "If I can't have her, then no one can!" and shoots his estranged lover. The evidence is when I hear things like, "I really hope he fails." That speaks volumes. Until that "I hope they fail" mentality is corrected, reconciliation will remain out of reach.
You can hope for reunion, but for it to happen both parties must want it, not just one of them. In truth, there are some who simply don't like the other guy for who he is, not just his ideas.Gregory, what are are saying is unfortunate, and true. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Very nicely said. Part of the reason is the remote-control mentality, where if something isn't to someone's liking a button is pushed. Passion about anything is one thing, but you're right about fanaticism.Michael, I couldn't agree more. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Fanaticism is borne out of fear. I don't have to fight for my God. He is more than able to fight for Himself! The other thing though is it breeds an intolerance that is scary. I don't have to agree with you but I should still be able to see any good sense you do make. All I can say is that it is a disease of the age, and it will get worse before it gets better! God help us all.Olufemi, I would have to say (unfortunately) that you are probably right. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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