by Serwan Zangana
Extremism can significantly impact different aspects of life and change the norms and values of our society. It is important to understand the principles of extremism and the danger of members of extreme groups in the communities to prevent their effects on our lifestyle. Indeed, the consciousness through knowledge and connection between the members of neighborhoods with open dialogues can strengthen the relationship in the community, and perhaps, all together halt the spread of the extreme ideology in our community.
Extremism is a factor for violence that blocks toleration and understanding of different opinions or beliefs in American communities. The issue begins at the moment that one group denies the simplest right of other groups and prioritizes its existence. Tolerating opposite beliefs is the key to understanding and living in the same community with respect for each individual’s dignity and sanctity.
However, toleration of different beliefs should not be interpreted as an acceptance or embracement of the principles of those beliefs but is indeed an acceptance of their existence among us. To anticipate our belief, ideology, or philosophy to be embraced by the entire society would cause disappointment and exasperation for us because of the differing opinions on such matters. Therefore, I should realize that my belief and logic might be different from the others, and vice versa. To share the society, tolerating the differences in our thinking is the road to peace.
In a democratic and civilized society, it is necessary to understand that the definition of freedom of speech does not carry a blind attack on opposite belief and disregard its sanctity. Destroying each other’s values and demonizing the differences of the philosophical way of life are not definitions of freedom of speech.
While freedom of speech is a Constitutional right of each American, it is also a responsibility of how to practice such a right. The rights of human beings to live in society equally and freely started with their existence, and such rights are not privileges from one individual or one group of people given to another. Regardless of race or ethnicity, humans were born free and meant to live free.
But also to remember that freedom does not come at a cheap price, or perhaps, a human cannot peacefully live in one society without being harmed. As Martin Luther King wrote in 1963, “Freedom is never given voluntarily by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
It is ironic while a certain group claims their entitlement of many privileges and rights, they are indeed in denial of others’ freedom. However, all human beings are entitled to the same rights and freedom as they are carrying the responsibility of protecting the uniqueness of life. Evidently, peace on earth will not continue without the participation of every race, ethnicity, and religious group, and in fact, there will not be peace for one group without the freedom for the others. After all, we all are connected in America, without Blacks and other minorities; the U.S would not be a nation.
