Why are extremists the ones to describe a group?

Discussion in 'General Philosophy' started by MrUnclepeanuts, Feb 19, 2011.

  1. MrUnclepeanuts Well-Known Member

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    When most people think of people who believe in Islam they think of people with robes and AK-47s trying to kill America, when in actuality these are merely extremists/stereotypes, if people actually study the Islamic religion, they would find that almost all Muslims who believe in Islam believe in peace, and are anti-war.


    When most people think of Christians, they see a bunch of bible thumpers who believe all non-Christians will go to hell, or sin once they go to hell, and once again these are merely Christian extremists.

    When people think of Atheists, they think of young punks thinking who don't think their way is stupid, and are to be treated like shit, Once again this is only a small part of the group, Atheist extremist.


    These are just a few examples, now my question is this.... why are small parts of people in a Large group(a.k.a. extremist) always the ones to reperesent the group as a whole? I mean how does that logic make sense?
  2. CoExIsTeNcE LeonTrotsky in Disguse

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    Those who shout the loudest are usually the ones heard.
  3. LeonTrotsky Well-Known Member

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    Exactly
  4. Ahobowithaids Member

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    What he said. It's always been like this, even if we look at social stereotypes like the public image of gays or African Americans. Most people in the group/classification do not fit the stereotype, but the few that do stand out, and because they do something different, we simplify things to say that everyone must also be like that, as that type of behavior is what being a Muslim or being black is about.

    And while the radicals stand out, the moderates are rarely ever seen- they're too busy doing perfectly normal stuff and blend in.
  5. D3VIL Well-Known Member

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    I personally believe it's because the media wants them to. I mean who is better to interview, an atheist on the subject of the state or an atheist who happens to be an anarchist? A moderate who believes in integration or an extremist who believes in disintegration? It is simply about bringing in the figures.
  6. lukakiwi Well-Known Member

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    this is more about stereotypes which can be a very serious an elongated topic. The bes comment though is the first one which said "The ones that shout the loudest are usaly the ones heard".
  7. GiggleBlizzard Well-Known Member

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    Well it's like with colour. Let's say we have a white background. Then we add some white-red (pink) to it, and then add some clear red to it. What will catch your eye first? Most likely the clear red.

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