When a person is on his way to rehabilitate from manifest hate or violent extremism, it is often helpful to give him some time. One would not want to pour oil, thereby reinforcing exactly the contrary of what is to be desired.
But in groups such as families or neighborhoods, where there is fear to block extremist reflexes or decisions, however, those impulses will lead to unwarranted consequences if there are no alternatives or if noone speaks out against, clearly, negative traits and developments. In short: there need to be limits.
Admittedly, when there are at least two major groups with divergent views and interests, this might lead to polarization and reinforcement of stereotypes on both sides, giving rise to the need to build bridges.
What holds true in both cases, individual and social, is that in case of major transgression by groups or individuals, there have to be consequences and constraints against perpetrators, in order to prevent the worst. There must be demarcations to what society can condone.
Violence and terror are despicable and not to be tolerated. All social actors should know this and refrain from committing acts of illegality and infractions to social peace.
Thorsten Koch, MA, PgDip
February 2020
https://www.counter-terrorism.org
http://www.counter-radicalisation.org
http://www.counter-radicalization.org
http://www.anti-radicalisation.org
http://www.anti-radicalization.org
http://www.no2extremism.net