Shams Ur Rehman Alavi
One's social identity is a result of multiple factors. But, a man often views self [and is seen by others too] as representative of a strong & fixed social identity.
This identity that's either inherited, worn, chosen or thrust, is lifelong & the person often considers himself in a particular segment though he may be at the same time, part of many other circles, but he doesn't realize or doesn't want to accept.
Even in same religion and region, I see how followers of sects and sub-sects, behave and look at each other with animosity, though at times what they claim about self is absolutely against the core principles of that sect too.
It's just because of geographical location, family or clan, that a particular thought about the crafted identity emerges and it is so hard, inflexible that everything else is ignored.
Decades pass and the person passionately carries this sense of identity, often like mobsters' groups. Battles are fought in the minds and the passion to be standing against others, keeps man going with the wind.
Do we honestly stand for our identity without hurting others? Is our aim just to have certain respectability and gain acceptance in a little or local circle to boost own ego. Clearly, there is also an element of hope in terms of 'validation'.
Locally, when one is part of any group, the adherence to its ideology is the binding factor. The group now needs the fear of other group(s) or talk about growth of the 'other', to keep its members remain united and be actively supporting own group.
The radicalism as seen among right-wing groups of different sections, is a manifestation of this tendency. In South Asia, it is increasingly become an issue as the suspicion of the 'other'--any group that is not seen as 'mainstream', is used to motivate cadre to spread hatred against them.
Or fight is for a greater cause of overall public good or it is a collective narcissism of groups and their friction and due to petty rivalries, jealousies & existing tendencies of groupism among the humans...?
If level of mistrust towards other group and this communalism or level of hate remains up, the youth will keep joining you to feel the sense of strength.
This is an established method to gain members and keep them in your grip. In 1980s, separate right-wing groups were formed and they kept on growing--starting with cow vigilantism to attacks.
Then, they targeted 'Western values' and celebration of St Valentine's Day. The level kept rising with each generation and then the mobs took law in own hands and fanatic wings became 'mainstream'.
So much that media started referring to them as 'fighters for the religion' or as 'guardians of cows' and 'defenders of the faith'. That's how democratic setup was hijacked from within.
