Fascination with the psychology of violence

[Witan]

Is anyone else fascinated by the psychology of violence? I'm not talking about what makes criminals use violence, but rather what makes people violent for political or religious reasons. Why is it that some countries (such as the US) have deep divisions in their society, but little violence (e.g. civil war), whereas other countries do? Why is it that people can express hateful opinions (such as the Westboro Baptist Church), and yet not resort to violence when confronted with the people they claim to hate so much? Why is it that groups like Al Qaeda can conduct horrific attacks against Westerners, and yet allow themselves to be interviewed by Western reporters without killing them on the spot?

Are there any other people out there who are fascinated by just what conditions it takes to make people decide to give up normal politics and resort to "politics by other means" (i.e. violence)?

[Tau Sin]

If it can be tied into Psychology at all I'll probably like it matey! My only quiff though is I'd rather not focus so much on conflicts between different nations. I like my mysteries... well I don't really know how to put my thoughts into words so I'll just say this for the rest of my post.

I like people.
I hate people.
People interest me.
I'm not a people person.
I study Psychology.
Huh.

A simple man from a simple answer!

[ivankaramazov]

Westboro doesn't really hate anyone. Phelps knows what he's doing. He structures beliefs around the most offensive thing he can think and sells it to his followers so that people look at them with disgust and call them terrible people. It makes them feel persecuted for their beliefs, which reinforces their delusions in a number of ways (superiority, suffer like Jesus, etc) and keeps his pockets filled. Pretty standard cult stuff.

As far as why there aren't militant domestic political groups in America, even KKK guys have to keep regular jobs to pay their mortgages. There just isn't enough time for uprisings nowdays. Some people still like to pretend that they stand for whatever crazy **** gets them warm inside but nobody is going to risk missing their favorite TV shows to actually stand up. Domestication for you.

[UltraShy]

Originally Posted by Witan

Why is it that groups like Al Qaeda can conduct horrific attacks against Westerners, and yet allow themselves to be interviewed by Western reporters without killing them on the spot?

I assume Al Queda wants to get their message of hate out to the "infidels." Doing so may require actually talking to some of those "infidels." It's a dirty job, but some extremist has to do it.

[pointy]

This video doesn't really answer any of your questions directly (in fact it probably raises a few more) but, nonetheless, I think you'll find it interesting.

[justpassinby]

Originally Posted by Witan

Is anyone else fascinated by the psychology of violence? I'm not talking about what makes criminals use violence, but rather what makes people violent for political or religious reasons. Why is it that some countries (such as the US) have deep divisions in their society, but little violence (e.g. civil war), whereas other countries do? Why is it that people can express hateful opinions (such as the Westboro Baptist Church), and yet not resort to violence when confronted with the people they claim to hate so much? Why is it that groups like Al Qaeda can conduct horrific attacks against Westerners, and yet allow themselves to be interviewed by Western reporters without killing them on the spot?

Are there any other people out there who are fascinated by just what conditions it takes to make people decide to give up normal politics and resort to "politics by other means" (i.e. violence)?

Because we're "one nation under God"

[shadowmask]

Utilizing physical violence to further an agenda or political view isn't very effective in modern day America, you can do much more damage with propaganda.

[Amelia]

Originally Posted by Witan

Why is it that some countries (such as the US) have deep divisions in their society, but little violence (e.g. civil war), whereas other countries do? Why is it that people can express hateful opinions (such as the Westboro Baptist Church), and yet not resort to violence when confronted with the people they claim to hate so much?

It could have something to do with democracy, the rule of law and law enforcement.

[UltraShy]

Originally Posted by shadowmask

Utilizing physical violence to further an agenda or political view isn't very effective in modern day America, you can do much more damage with propaganda.

Wasn't Hitler a master at both propaganda & violence? Seems you can use both at the same time.