What About Extremists?

As we debate the best ways in which to address deep polarization people often have their limits for how far we should go, and which groups and individuals are beyond hope. One example is Nazis. A few years ago, various “punch a Nazi” memes circulated that suggested that this was an appropriate way of dealing with Nazis and other White Supremacists. But experts, including former White Supremacists and neuroscientists studying conflict disagree. The former is represented by Brad Galloway, who has been a guest on the Multifaith Matters podcast for the Evangelical FRD chapter. In an article he wrote that, ""I ask them how they want to better themselves, what would they want to change in their lives. To change behavior and how we look at others, it's all about re-framing the humanization of others. And eventually the ideologies break down." The late neuroscientist Emile Bruneau’s perspective compliments this insight. His research demonstrated that it was often being the recipient of undeserved kindness that fostered change, not shaming and violence.