The path to right-wing extremism

The path to right wing extremism involves the extraction of men from society who don’t feel useful or like their life has a point. Every man has the desire for meaning, and the chance to contribute and improve their world. The views and beliefs are extreme, but I would argue that the men themselves are not extreme at their core. It’s a shame that our society has not harnessed this male desire to make meaningful contributions. Instead, we leave them behind to the detriment of society.

ANY man can be radicalized if found in the right point in his life and if the conditions are right. Anybody. People are always surprised when they find out that that average Joe or that quiet kid they went to school with is a white supremacist. They can’t imagine someone like that being radicalized. They imagine that only crazy people can be radicalized. But no, anyone can go down this path if they get sucked in by some predatory recruiters who make big promises.

Some people are like leaves in the wind, and that leaf can land in the sweet spot if the wind is right. If they get caught in a rightward gust, however, they can end up being radicalized. Society should be more structured, and blocking these strong winds to ensure that these leaves end up in more desirable locations.