Extremity Leads to Which World? The Hidden Impact on Society
Introduction
Extremism is a phenomenon that has led to the destruction of many societies throughout history. The Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, Mongol Empire, Umayyad Dynasty, Maurya Empire, Nazi regime, and many others have fallen, often due to extreme ideologies and actions. This mindset spreads among the masses due to self-doubt and fears about an uncertain future. People begin to believe they are doomed to suffer and be destroyed. When such thoughts become widespread in a society, it signals a movement toward collapse.
Extremism is a contagious state of mind, attracting individuals who share similar fears and convictions. While these concerns may be valid, obsessive thoughts about consequences can lead to discrimination. Historically, extremism has been based on race, caste, creed, and religion.
 |
| A visual depiction of extremism in society |
However, in modern times, people have not only continued these divisive practices but also discovered new ways to propagate this hazardous phenomenon. Various forms of extremism still exist in society today, including the following:
1. Language Extremism
A growing trend in society is the aggressive protection of languages. Some individuals argue that if someone wants to vacation, reside permanently, or conduct business in a specific region, they must speak the local language. This expectation can come across as rude and exclusionary. For the sake of fairness, people could resort to universal sign language to communicate basic needs—nodding up and down for 'yes,' shaking the head left and right for 'no,' and using simple gestures for hunger, sleep, or directions. While this idea may seem impractical, it highlights the principle of "tit for tat."
Language was developed in past societies to facilitate communication, not to complicate it. If a person dislikes a particular language, they should be prepared for the consequences of such resistance. I advise individuals traveling to a new destination to learn at least a few basic words of the local language to avoid difficulties in meeting their needs. Even if one hires a guide, having some basic language knowledge remains beneficial.
2. Vegan Extremism
Veganism is a lifestyle choice where individuals abstain from consuming animal products, including proteins and fats. For businesses, this presents a market opportunity, leading to the creation of separate menus and clearly labeled vegan products. While personal dietary choices should be respected, problems arise when vegans begin to discriminate against those who consume animal products. In some cases, they demand to be served only by fellow vegans at restaurants, shopping malls, and grocery stores.
In India, I spoke with a grocery store owner who mentioned that some vegan customers refused to buy from him simply because he also sold eggs. Their argument was that the shopkeeper used the same hands to handle both vegan and non-vegan products. To such individuals, I would say that eggs and meat are not viruses or bacteria; if they are concerned, they can simply use sanitizers after purchasing goods. Vegan extremism is becoming a new form of social and religious discrimination, and if left unaddressed, it could lead to greater societal divides in the future.
3. Body Shape Extremism
Bodybuilding and exercise are not new trends but have been practiced for centuries. Many people pursue fitness with enthusiasm and passion. As societies evolve, there is now no gender discrimination regarding gym attendance or participation in physical activities. However, due to increasing demands for a particular body shape, driven by industries, social media, and peer pressure, many individuals resort to harmful, non-recommended drugs to achieve rapid muscle growth.
This pursuit often stems from a desire to establish dominance within social circles. Moreover, exposure to idealized body images in society and on social media can induce feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Social media algorithms exacerbate this issue, repeatedly showing such content to individuals who have previously engaged with fitness-related posts. While initial interactions may stem from self-awareness and motivation, continuous exposure can push people toward unhealthy practices.
4. Hypocrisy Extremism
Hypocrisy has become the new normal in society. As part of the individual learning process, people tend to adopt whatever they observe in their surroundings. Their role models confidently act either foolish or overly smart, making them believe that such behavior is normal. In a monarchy, hypocrisy was a punishable offense, but in a democratic framework, it has become a basic necessity to build trust among people. It is the art of lying with confidence.
All religions promote the philosophy of truth; however, hypocrisy is widely practiced. No one considers themselves both a hypocrite and religious at the same time. Such individuals should be categorized and labeled as those who spread falsehoods.
5. Woke Extremism
The woke culture represents the liberty granted in society. The woke mindset believes in democracy, liberty, fraternity, and diversity, but it does not believe in individuality, privacy, and social order. They assume that everyone is aware of environmental concerns, but in reality, there is a lack of awareness. We often see woke people trespassing on individuals' privacy in the name of protest, such as disturbing people who eat meat and its products, blocking highways, or going naked in public.
These protests should be conducted peacefully and democratically to spread awareness. Their fight is with policymakers, not with the general public. If we seek a new approach, there is a need for the Neo-woke movement.
Conclusion
Extremism manifests in various forms and can seriously affect individuals and society. Whether it is language, veganism, body image, hypocrisy, or the woke movement. Extremism leads to division, discrimination, and harmful behaviors. It is crucial to recognize and address these issues before they escalate further. Society must embrace balance, tolerance, and mutual respect to prevent extremism from shaping a future filled with conflict and exclusion.
Key Takeaways
- Language Extremism: Overemphasis on linguistic conformity can lead to exclusion and discrimination. While learning local languages is beneficial, enforcing language use rigidly may create societal divides.
- Vegan Extremism: While veganism is a personal dietary choice, imposing such choices on others or discriminating against non-vegans can foster social tensions. Respect for diverse lifestyles is crucial.
- Body Shape Extremism: Societal pressures for certain body aesthetics can drive individuals toward unhealthy practices, including the misuse of supplements or drugs, leading to physical and psychological harm.
- Hypocrisy Extremism: The prevalence of hypocrisy, where actions contradict proclaimed values, can erode trust and integrity within communities, leading to societal cynicism.
- Woke Extremism: What begins as a movement for awareness and justice can turn counterproductive when taken to extremes—cancel culture, silencing differing views, or enforcing hyper-correctness may stifle real dialogue and alienate allies.
The overarching theme emphasizes that extremism, in its various forms, can permeate everyday aspects of life, often unnoticed, and highlights the importance of moderation and mutual respect to maintain societal harmony.
