It is indeed a fascinating topic, the processes that lead us to who we are, and the question of what triggers radicalisation in some people, while others exposed to similar circumstances remain content with the status quo.
I have no doubt that reading is a part of it, at least for some of us - I guess what bemuses me about my own early radicalisation is why the radical books had so much more of an effect on me than the books that supported a mainstream, or even a strong conservative or fascist perspective - because they were part of what I read, too. Reading exposes us to ideas outside of the ones current in our immediate environment - but then, there's the question of what causes us to accept or reject them, and that's the crux of the matter.
I'm would be interested in hearing more about the oral history of radicalisation you mentioned - have you collected any accounts at this point?
By the way, please forgive me if this question seems inappropriate, but I'm curious as to what brought you to read my journal, and comment on this entry, at this time.
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branchandroot
Re: radicalization
Date: 2006-12-10 10:37 pm (UTC)It is indeed a fascinating topic, the processes that lead us to who we are, and the question of what triggers radicalisation in some people, while others exposed to similar circumstances remain content with the status quo.
I have no doubt that reading is a part of it, at least for some of us - I guess what bemuses me about my own early radicalisation is why the radical books had so much more of an effect on me than the books that supported a mainstream, or even a strong conservative or fascist perspective - because they were part of what I read, too. Reading exposes us to ideas outside of the ones current in our immediate environment - but then, there's the question of what causes us to accept or reject them, and that's the crux of the matter.
I'm would be interested in hearing more about the oral history of radicalisation you mentioned - have you collected any accounts at this point?
By the way, please forgive me if this question seems inappropriate, but I'm curious as to what brought you to read my journal, and comment on this entry, at this time.