Term Paper on "Theological Extremism in America"

Term Paper 7 pages (2494 words) Sources: 1+

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Domestic & Foreign Extremist Groups

Terrorism has a long and violent history; this is especially true of religious terrorism. While the conditions under which each extremist group operates are different, there nevertheless exist similarities. An examination of two terrorist groups, one domestic (the Ku Klux Klan) and one foreign (the Irish Republican Army), illustrate the differences and likenesses in their respective beliefs and goals, training techniques, tactics to gain social compliance, target selections, and psychological profiles of their leaders. After analyzing such contrasts and comparisons, it seems prudent to discuss the ways in which these terrorist groups are best subdued and conquered.

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a domestic reactionary extremist group whose roots reach back to mid-1800; it surfaced in the South as a protest of the emancipation movement. The KKK not only opposed the post-Civil War government due to fears of losing democratic rights, it also espoused white supremacy, with a principal tenet of black inferiority. It was outlawed in 1871 due to its violent practices, of which murder was integral. However, in 1915, the KKK was re-established, expanding its ideology to include beliefs about inferiority of women, Jews, and non-Christians. Foreigners also figured on their list of enemies. The KKK claims their actions to be a defense of Christianity, a necessary reaction to ward of atheism and non-Christian beliefs and practices. Therefore, there is a Christian fundamentalist thread running through its ideologies. Considering such perspectives, it is not surprising that the KKK consisted of white, Protestant American males. Although fragmented and stripped of significant power and resources, the KKK continues to operate throughout the country, in smaller, often competing cells.

It is interesting to note that terrorist groups are comprised of individuals who share several personality traits. Many scholars 'have characterized terrorists as action-oriented, aggressive people who are stimulus-hungry and seek excitement' (Reich, 1998, p. 27). What's more, they tend to externalize events and have often experienced childhood psychological damage. It is common for terrorists to have felt marginalized prior to their involvement in the organization. A new sense of belonging increases the likelihood of continued membership. While not all terrorists are adolescents or young adults, the majority of recruits and members derive from these age groups. Coupling the mentioned personality traits with a stage of development susceptible to manipulation, vulnerable youth are most attracted to the alluring benefits that extremist groups provide.

The population from which the Ku Klux Klan selects its members is similar to that just described. Injured youth are favored recruits since they are more receptive to indoctrination and KKK dogma than are their healthy adult counterparts. Flyers, rallies, newspaper articles, and the Internet are among some of the media through which the KKK seeks new associates; intimidation also plays a role in recruitment. Once selected, candidates undergo an intense and extensive period of initiation.

The training techniques of KKK recruits are manifold.

New members are immediately pressured to limit or cut-off existing relationships. Furthermore, recruits are expected to spend the majority of their time with other KKK members; being a part of the KKK becomes a full-time commitment. KKK members are trained in para-military bases where they are taught to use sophisticated weaponry. In addition, they learn how to operate grenades and explosives. Ambush techniques are also a part of KKK training curricula. Moreover, KKK members are educated in hand-to-hand combat. They are also trained to operate in gangs and do so under cover and at night. Such training is defensive in that KKK members claim they are merely equipping themselves with necessary skills that protect their way of life.

Although terrorist organizations have unique characteristics, there are common threads in their hold over public sentiment. 'Some features of terrorist acts give power to a few incidents to incite widespread fear that vastly exceeds the objective threat' (Reich, p. 167). The unpredictability of terrorist endeavors is one such attribute; when people are uncertain of when, where, and how a terrorist act will occur and towards whom it will be directed, there arises a deep and wide sense of panic and fear. Secondly, terrorist acts produce similar reactions because they generate injury and oftentimes death. Another consequence of terrorist acts is a collective feeling of helplessness; the threat of public acts of seemingly random violence or in the wake of such occurrences creates a perceived loss of control over one's life. Lastly, people quickly recognize the interdependency of modern society. This implies a greater possibility that a terrorist act will affect them personally (Reich, p. 168).

The ways in which the KKK gains community compliance is through its modus operandi, which encompasses several tactics. First, it presents the argument that its targets (blacks, Jews, non-Christians, etc.) are the sources of societal problems. This line of reasoning is particularly appealing for the segment of society that suffers economically; such logic lends a focused outlet for built-up frustration, anger, and despair. Additionally, it regularly employs intimidation techniques; citizens are frightened into submission or are 'run out of town'. Those who oppose KKK actions and those who sympathize with KKK targets become targets themselves. Harassment and intimidation of these newly created KKK enemies are typical responses of this extremist group. The KKK has paraded through neighborhoods and held rallies, in often successful attempts to bully not only its targeted population, but also the community at large (passersby, KKK candidates, and KKK target sympathizers). Additionally, it utilizes the media (newspapers, the Internet, etc.) to force society to acknowledge its ideologies, actions, and aims. The Internet is particularly effective in providing an extensive communication network to like-minded individuals who are easily able to share and perpetuate their respective views.

As mentioned, KKK targets include blacks, Jews, non-Christians, women, foreigners, and white sympathizers. Throughout the history of the KKK, blacks have been consistently and relentlessly targeted. They have been harassed, beaten, tortured, lynched, and their property has been destroyed. KKK targets also include civil rights leaders; the latter viewed as a threat to the welfare of the former. Churches and synagogues have been burned and bombed; their constituents become prey. Women have been raped and foreigners have suffered abuses by KKK members. White sympathizers have been ostracized, persecuted, mistreated, and many times forced to relocate.

Social conditions serve as fodder for KKK activities. In fact, the size of its membership is intimately tied to the social events of the moment; it typically swells during civil liberty movements. As mentioned, the KKK emerged as a protest to anti-slavery laws. There was another surge in followers during the 1960's, as a response to newly granted civil liberties. Social advances for disable people, whom the KKK disliked, also fueled retaliatory actions. Currently, the gay rights movement is an object of KKK terrorism. In short, the KKK exploits most situations in which there exist social tension and turmoil in an attempt to destabilize society and further their causes.

Owing to its long history, the KKK has had several leaders. A psychological analysis of a prominent one, William J. Simmons, who re-established the KKK in 1915, illustrates the type of individuals who are attracted to, espouse, and propagate this terrorist group's perspectives. Simmons was a liar; he claimed to be a doctor despite having no actual medical training. He demonstrated obsessive tendencies after watching 'The Birth of a Nation', a silent film depicting the glories of the first Ku Klux Klan. Influenced by this movie, Simmons succeeded in re-finding this organization while also broadening the scope of targets. The ability to mobilize a group of people requires something that Simmons abundantly possessed: charisma. Evidence of his charisma can be seen during the First World War, when KKK membership was at its height and was estimated at several million (Anti-Defamation League, 2005). He held a keen sense of perception and was able to interpret social and economic conditions so that targeted groups appeared to have caused them. Simmons manipulated scores of people; he led them to believe his interpretations and then provoked them to violently act upon such conclusions.

Having examined a domestic extremist group, it is appropriate to analyze a foreign terrorist organization, with the aim of discussing the similarities and differences between the two. A paramilitary organization, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), like the KKK, has political roots; it was established in order to unite Ireland and to remove British presence in North Ireland (Federation of American Scientists, 2005). However, a third of Northern Irish are Roman Catholic, many of whom strongly oppose Britain's separation of Ireland. They feel discriminated against because of their religious and political traditions. It is this Roman Catholic-Protestant clash that fuels IRA terrorist activities. Furthermore, social and political events and conditions, such as unemployment, stimulate retaliatory actions. Over IRA history, there have been waves of violence and temporary cease-fires; however, the activities of the IRA continue.

IRA recruits are typically young Catholic men who are negatively affected by what is perceived as unfair British initiatives and discrimination. Those attracted to the IRA are many times unemployed and… READ MORE

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