Going to Extremes in the Search for Truth

In a world where extremism is so prevalent, we might ask why is it that so many individuals are going to such extremes. We also might ask if extremism is more a reflection of the individual or of society.

• What is extremism? Do all (most, many) of us have extremist tendencies? Can any of us become an extremist?
• Is extremism always bad? Are some forms of extremism more harmful than others?
  
• What are the causes of extremism?
• What would a world without extremism look like?
• Are some people more susceptible to extremism? What characteristics do these people have?
• What can we do as individuals and as a society to reduce extremism?

Links for further research:

ADL: "Extremism in America"
Islam for Today: "Muslims Against Extremism and Fundamentalism"
SPLCenter: "Active U.S. Hate Groups" (map)
Religious Tolerance: "Hate Websites"
Hate Groups for Dummies: "How to Build A Successful Hate Group"
Tolerance.org: "Responding to Obama: America at the Extremes"