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The Importance of Perspective Taking and Respect for Dignity in Understanding Radicalization
Author(s) -
Molix Lisa,
Nichols Charles P.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
analyses of social issues and public policy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.479
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1530-2415
pISSN - 1529-7489
DOI - 10.1111/j.1530-2415.2012.01300.x
Subject(s) - radicalization , dignity , persuasion , perspective (graphical) , terrorism , islam , social psychology , criminology , psychology , sociology , epistemology , political science , environmental ethics , law , history , philosophy , archaeology , artificial intelligence , computer science
McCauley (this issue) has presented a thought‐provoking analysis of recent surveys of Muslim Americans as a means of testing the effectiveness of theories of Islamic radicalization. In this commentary we argue that by taking Muslim Americans’ perspective, researchers and policy makers can gain insight into the phenomenon of radicalization while avoiding contributing to the stigmatization of Muslims. We also offer words of caution concerning “the ‘war of ideas’ against terrorism” and the potential for heavy handed persuasion campaigns to backfire when perceived by targets as disrespectful or threatening to their human dignity or sacred values.