I like the video, but I'm not sure if democracy is this awesome way to stop extremism.
The EDL are an extremist organisation that started in the UK, one of the forerunners for democracy, and their are plenty of right wing and left wing extremists in all democratic societies.
@SzlampStudios you cant stop extremism but you can manage it. In a democracy eveerybody gets the chance to voice their opinions extremist or otherwise and by doing that the extremists are easier to spot & deal with
@Coughlan000 I believe democracy is a euphemism for "which party for 4 years" in most cases, and that will still cause extremism to happen.
Most or all extremist organisation, I believe, stem from people sharing anger or hatred at X for Y.
If a government creates a policy people don't like, or a news media distorts reality to its viewers, you'll probably (and do) get extremist organisations because writing an x every 4 years hasn't done anything.
We need far more of that kind of talk, across the board, not just within the Ummah. We need young people across the spectrum standing up for non extremist options.
Only 2 ways out of this spiral.
Genocidal attempts to enforce unconditional surrender on the "other".
Or we make room for all.
Democracy, messy & a work in progress, & still the best system we have.
MultiCult, messy and needs a lot of work, yet it is the best system we have to avoid spiralling into global wars of genocide.
(iv) Finally, there is the trickle vs. flood problem of democracy. A mass movement is a power trickle (even very large movements) because it requires sustained physical activity (i.e., protest) often for years or decades. When stretched out for long periods of time, it is very hard to maintain effective momentum and movements often dissipate and collapse. The power of the elite is a flood: they can use highly concentrated, narrowly focused money to buy the power they need to prevail.
I saw this talk earlier on the TED Talks channel, and this guy is right on the money on all four of his main points. The idea of democracy as a universal value is something that absolutely needs to be reclaimed back from its misuse by the far right. And there's plenty in his ideas that apply to democratic movements beyond the Islamic world.
(iii) Extremism and its threat of violence is the most useful tool in the corporate bag of techniques for suppressing peaceful resistance. How it works is simple: before a movement becomes large enough to actually effect change, an extremist splinter group is formed to introduce the potential for violence, actual violence or both into the movement. This development ups the stakes for would be participants putting tremendous divisive pressure on the movement.
(ii) Democratic movements are by definition mass movements. Mass movements are (for practical purposes) local and unique occurrences. The more people that are required to accomplish a political end, the more susceptible the end is to manipulation by the tools of corporate infrastructure--media, religion, police and military. While people march in the street, the elite discuss strategies in the executive suite. Sadly, corporate strategies have been globally tested and perfected over decades.
@0gods You've definitely arrived at a pessimistic and anti-democratic argument based on your perception of absolute corporate hegemony. So if people are basically incapable of liberating themselves, what's your alternative? And I will note that specifically anti-democratic revolutionary ideologies have had a horrific record in terms of human rights.
@iamcuriousblue A career in corporate strategy will do that to you. To see the political reach of the corporate form, imagine that everywhere you see a McDonalds or Wallmart is evidence that the force of neo-liberalism is at work (it has to be because these global entities only operate where the potential for profit is extant). At its heart, this force is about destroying anything and everything that diminishes revenues (top-line) or profit (bottom-line). Sadly, democracy is top of the list.
(i) This video is soggy cereal. Democracy and freedom are situational, necessarily vague and easy to co-opt. Nearly 70 years of well-funded, applied neo-liberalism has largely homogenized the corporate form (the scaffolding of the global, right-wing power structure) making it a tremendous force for maintaining the status quo; codified effective political power acquisition and control techniques (such as assassination, overthrow); and, honed disinformation and propaganda.
My wife and I are the products of this identification via "behavior," but it's all about the love!!! We want to make something new and far more understanding ;D
His main thesis, that bigots would have felt isolated before, is flawed in that they simply did not. That is counter to fact. You didn't need the internet to get the Hutus to slaughter the Tutsi's in Rwanda or the Germans to kill the Jews and countless other examples I could name. Bigotry was always the norm, not the exception.
However, his point that global communication is giving them the opportunity to galvanize is well made. I think that it's also helping to make xenophobia less common.
Point taken. That's a largely logistical concern in my eyes, though, and the spread of hateful ideology was never contingent on telecommunication (see: all sides in the crusades). Yes, the ability to mobilize globally is contingent on telecom, but extremists have never felt isolated, really.
But the definition of extremist necessarily requires isolation, otherwise they would be moderate, purely by the functioning of the words. An extreme cannot be extreme if it's not relatively isolated from the non-extreme.
Sure one could find somewhat like minded individuals, but organized action to carry out terrorism globally cannot all be done locally, there's simlpy not enough people with those views to complete an operation.
Hold on, so now that they're not isolated they're not extremists by your definition. Sorry, I reject that definition of extremism for good reason: it suggests that since it was generally held that King Richard was right to attack Jerusalem, it wasn't extreme. Further, there are plenty of people nearby to carry out terrorist acts, most of the hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, the point you're raising is again a logistical one. Carrying out the attacks is different from wanting to.
They are isolated in REAL LIFE. And continue to be.
But on the internet, no one is isolated, you'll find people into anything and everything convene on forums, boards, etc. and in THAT context they feel normal, but remain isolated once the monitor goes off.
The world's super power is a communist country, we just haven't figured it out yet. China is in the same position the US was in just before WW2 and if, god forbid, we have a large scale war, China will emerge the victor.
This guy had a very revealing public discussion with Ayan Hirshi and I certainly prefer his take on islam to that being indoctrinated into children in the madrases. The organisation he represents promotes secularism and he is currently threatened by the extremists. I don't think he is entirely right in his approach. Clearly even in Egypt the problem is that Islam represents a political rather than an influence on a political option.
@MsRichtard So you are suggesting that we concentrate on the Netherlands 1st then? Great idea. They need to realise what society they are breeding & that hate is only a self fulfilling prophesy.
@MilitantPeaceist are you aware that only a small part of the netherlands follow the right extremist group? seriously, people who vote on the pvv (the group of wilders) is a small group and only part of the problem. Most dutch people dont mind a mutli culture society, in fact the welcome it. yeah, there are problems, but not by muslims. But by people who just behave like idiots.
As simple as it would be to simply disregard a creationist, an extremist, or any kind of nutjob, it needs to be remembered that no matter what they believe, they have the same intellectual ability as anyone else.
Extremism, in and of itself, isn't necessarily a bad thing. It just depends what philosophy you're extreme in. Some movements need extremists. The legalisation of marijuana, for instance. If more pot smokers were extremists, it wouldn't be illegal here in the States.
OH SHIT this is on your channel. I was wondering why your comments were up the top.
I must say, when we have wars like the ones currently led, for the reasons they are exacted & the disproportionate response to threat, then it makes the extremists job quite easy. There is a reason why the narrative is sticking so while what this guy says is apt, the activism should also be squared at the way our countries propagate democracy & secular governments as they are seeding it in a way that is unuseful.
What Nawaz is saying is 100% logical. My only question is what South American ideology has influence here in Alaska? Or is that map of his strictly exemplary?
Age of Behaviour? I'm sorry but I don't really see what he's talking about. Is that his way of saying that we now connect with like minded people over the internet?
Thanks to all who responded to my question. It seems Coughlan's statement that most are ex-theists is true for many countries, which is surprising to me and also gives me hope. I didn't know so many theists were becoming atheists. That is great news, I think. :)
@Judy101101 Nothing works, but this is the best we can do at the moment. Figure something else out that will work and present your idea, otherwise your comment is pointless.
@shamz0rz yes there are better ideas but no way can it be posted in a small text box lol. it doesn't make any sense to keep doing what doesn't' work, just because it's the best of all that is wrong makes it more the causes of why things are falling apart. time to think "the hole" must agree not just 51% of the richest or you get slavery and that is what we are wanting changed. and if my comment is pointless so is this video right - what's the point?
@Judy101101 To quote the video "Democracy is the best political system we have currently arrived at". He wasn't raling against democracy, he was talking about how democracy is viewed in different areas, such as Pakistan. He has a good point, showing that the idea of those cultures is that they're voting FOR democracy OR theocracy, and that that is the way the citizens view it. Rewatch the video, I think you misunderstood it.
@Judy101101 Not to mention, it's impossible to make everyone happy. I saw your profile said you have 4 kids, I'm sure you've had your situations where they couldn't even decide on what they wanted for dinner, and I'd guess that their political views differ, even if slightly, from kid to kid. No factor in the other 6.5 billion people... it's literally impossible to make everyone happy, majority is really the only way to gauge the publics view.
@DiwataMan what is good for all, right but that is what the united states really is but something turned it into a democracy - so the rules need to be much clearer then what was in our past. leaders today get into politics for the money - I wouldn't follow anyone who is in it for profit
Consider the factors that develop conviction in those ideas and narratives. Confining identity to a single location is removing position from the equation that could help correct our own. These extremist mentalities developed in part due to the lack of alternative positions found in their environment that can be considered. Religions that propagate effectively, create this environment by design. Transnationalism also creates a much needed cognitive dissonance in xenophobic mentalities.
@Bulunderuuun im sorry u dont like the fact that the internet is te bigest breeding ground for extremism but at no point did maajid even come clse to suggesting that.
But Richard, did you not say something along the lines of "The internet doesnt make people stupid, the internet just makes a lot more stupid people much more easily accessible."?
@Bulunderuuun I fear my government more than I fear a bunch of shit heads a million miles away. But it's good to see someone see a problem and immediately jump at the idea of stripping themselves of any rights that would be worth defending from these same shit heads.
Are most atheists really previously theists? Is that true in America, true of just America? or true globally? Having grown up in England, the idea that most atheists were previously religious seems... ludicrous to me. I just assumed that the vast majority (like... 80%+) of athiests are and have always been atheist, from birth, without indoctrination of religion from their parents or peers. I would be amazed if statements to the contrary are correct. I'm asking with an open mind.
@OrthodoxAtheist I dont know what the official stats are but judging it based on England isnt very good idea as england is smaller and much less religious in its nature.
@Coughlan000 Mmm... I agree with that but I wouldn't say England is less religious. I would say we don't make it as big of a deal. Well, unless the pope decides to stop by. XD
@OrthodoxAtheist I agree and disagree with that point. I think it is part of a person's nature what they believe, but being raised Christian is not uncommon here in America for people who give up religion.
@OrthodoxAtheist I'm from Sweden, and when I grew up the majority of people around me here were atheists. Religion was viewed as a relic from the primitive past and was material for comedy mostly.
@OrthodoxAtheist I was brought up a crazy pentecostal church and my whole family is(or are. family is singular so it should be is but are seems likly too) super religouis and I became an atheist.
@OrthodoxAtheist "Are most atheists really previously theists?" - It's one of those "he is in my camp things". My other "declared" that i was Church of England when i was born but i never believed but i bet those idiots at the church will still use me as one of their numbers in their propoganda. So in that sense, you could say yes, they are. But i was never a theist, if you catch my drift.
@OrthodoxAtheist May I ask your age? I'm a little on the wrong side of 30 and grew up in England also. At school I was given bible studies and expected to sing christian songs regularly. My grandparents kept bibles and childrens illustrated bible story books to teach their grandchildren (and presumably thair parents before them) - I am only thankful that my parents were secular enough that they did not impose upon me, and that I was inquisitive enough to ask questions about God.
@MrGoodNamesAllTaken I am 34. I did have to say the Lord's prayer and sing hymns in assembly (age 7-10), but they were just words. It annoyed me I was not allowed to opt out but the prayer/hymns were just words. I knew it was nonsense and not for a second did I believe any of it. Both parents were and are atheists. I was baptized C of E because my parents felt social pressure. I had to take 3 years of religious ed. but was more education on all theism than indoctrination. Guess I was lucky.
@OrthodoxAtheist I think you and I have similar experiences then. I didn't ever truely believe but there was a time when I didn't give any serious thought to what I was being told. I had avoided questioning because the answers to questions never seemed to satisfy and arguments met with resistence. I still feel that the cultural influences had an effect. I will blaspheme if I stub my toe and in times of stress I sometimes question my world view (but quickly come to my senses).
@OrthodoxAtheist i know that most of my friends that are now atheist, myself included, were all once theist and went to church and believed in god. since america likes to say its a christian or religious nation, a good majority of us have been to church at least for a good portion of our childhoods. in my home town, there were as many churches as there were bars/pubs.( and we have a lot of bars).
@OrthodoxAtheist I'm not aware of the stats wither, but from personal experience, I was catholic for 14 years before I became an atheist. Same story applies to many people I know. In America, it's more common than not that you are indoctrinated into a religion at birth, and saying "Under God" in the pledge every morning at school made it seem ludicrous not to believe in God. It's pretty unfortunate...
@OrthodoxAtheist I don't know the statistics but I was raised in a Catholic society and only became an atheist after I turned 17 and started thinking about the facts and probabilities. I also know a lot of people with the same upbringing and change in views as me, and would not find it so hard to believe most people started as theists.
@OrthodoxAtheist Being portuguese and having had the privilege of living in your country for 3 years for academic purposes, I can perfectly understand where you're coming from and to give you an answer. In countries like Portugal, being religious was, up to at least a couple of decades ago, so ingrained into the society that there was no possible escape. Not being baptized and indoctrinated thereafter was a ticket to being ostracized. So, yeah, most atheists around here were former theists.
@OrthodoxAtheist : I´m from Germany, and I was raised catholic. I even went to a faith school. Now, I´m an atheist, and my brother is an atheist as well.
@OrthodoxAtheist I think that most atheists had to have been theists first. It's not like you can stop believing in something you never believed in, or were even aware of, in the first place. That's why I find the whole "all babies are atheists" arguments kind of ridiculous.
@fruitikay Australia really doesn't care that much. Some politicians try to make it look that way but we don't listen to politicians as a rule. Out of every single person I have veer known here (30 odd years of memory), I have only ever known a handful of Christians.
Put it this way, if you were to say to a group of teenagers that you were atheist, you would only be introducing them to the concept of god.
@OrthodoxAtheist I was raised to be catholic, and I rejected it as soon as I really started to learn about the religion. Most people in the united states are indeed raised to be religious, so I think it's safe to say that most atheists here used to believe in sky fairies and global floods. I agree, it is ludicrous.
@OrthodoxAtheist I think it differs according to the country. For example here in Polad the vast majority are "cultural Catholics" and pretty much every nontheist here has theistic background of some extent. I.e. AFAIR 95% of Poles were baptised and about 90% had first communion. But less then 50% go to church so that's propably about how many "true" catholics we have here (there's no significant second religion)
@OrthodoxAtheist I'm from and in currently the US and I was raised Catholic, even was confirmed which is as far as you can go in the religion without joining the clergy. I went to CCD once a week and church every Sunday when I was a kid. Now I've been an Atheist for over half my life, but I'm just one person so statically I really don't know.
Hm, there isn't really any research on it. Some became doubtful of god's existence when they were children being taught about their parent's religion. My family's Muslim, though I wouldn't submit to Islam because I don't believe it's the "right" religion. I would say 80% become atheist at some point of their lives after being exposed to different beliefs.
I'm sure other nations share this in common, but the US is relatively more religious. So the atheists here, I would image, are more likely to be ex-theists than those in Sweden because the majority of them are already non-religious. I bet this varies by how religious a nation is.
I know this guy from AJE and a panel discussion about Islam with him, Hirsi Ali, Douglas Murray and a naive british muslim. I don't like him pushing forward Islam in general, but for the sake of us all he is worth of gold, because he is fighting against extremist views, which we only rarely can debate, because they see us atheists or non-muslims as not trustworthy. For the moment we HAVE to appreciate his work, because the muslim world is not really ready yet for what we do.
@hunga224 Well im sorry thats just a fucking stupid thing to say. Did u not hear this guy? he used to be an islamist extremist and now look at him. In fact most atheists used to be religious many of them fundamentalists...if we all had your attitude then we'd never have left our caves.
@hunga224 "You can't exchange Ideas with someone who has imaginary friends." RUBBISH have you always been an atheist? most of us atheist have grown up into it with reason and exploring life. Children have imaginary friends do you ignore them because you think you are too clever for them. You know I'm right statistically most of the people you interact with have imaginary friends get used to it. Only tolerance and education will help prevail.
Just like the "marketeers" ;I couldn't give less a shit if it crashes. I'm not rich. It won't hurt me any. To fight for these gluttonously wealthy is moronic. Rise up!
I thought Egypt was a military state after Mubarak was outsted?
Either way, while this guy has some good ideas, I think he is oversimplifying things a lot. It will be quite a challenge to acheive what he's espousing.
Thanks Coughlan for showing this video and exposing more people to Maajid Nawaz and his organisation Quilliam. They do great work in fighting against extremism and if people are interested they should follow your links you provided and go to their website, they have great studies on extremism from Islamist groups and far-right groups. I recently used a study of theirs which talked about extremism in British Universities, which is very informative.
@MrPainfullytrue You can research him for yourself by looking in the descritption box & checking out the links. There is no use asking me what his agenda is cos im not him.
His organisation has done great work in helping fish out extremists within many communities
I agree, you don' know what his agenda is, but, your good at comedy!!
I think, if he means well and his heart means well, then it's all good.
I was expecting you to know, rather than the 'research' word......nor the time or the will, too many much more important things to do....though I AM interested.
Quite intresting actually and he does have some really good points/ideas about extremism. Btw Coughlan you seem to have a couple of stalker trolls that instantly dislikes your video and says it sucks.
Maajid Nawaz is a brave man. He must have enemies on both sides at this point (ironically because they both don't see anything other than extremists).
He was born at the age of 16?
devourerofbabies 5 months ago 2
@devourerofbabies- LMAO I know what a div, he cudv put that better.
shebzydon 1 month ago
What a junk he is talking. Man that man is brainwashed.
carlito2278 5 months ago
I like the video, but I'm not sure if democracy is this awesome way to stop extremism.
The EDL are an extremist organisation that started in the UK, one of the forerunners for democracy, and their are plenty of right wing and left wing extremists in all democratic societies.
SzlampStudios 6 months ago
@SzlampStudios you cant stop extremism but you can manage it. In a democracy eveerybody gets the chance to voice their opinions extremist or otherwise and by doing that the extremists are easier to spot & deal with
Coughlan000 6 months ago
@Coughlan000 I believe democracy is a euphemism for "which party for 4 years" in most cases, and that will still cause extremism to happen.
Most or all extremist organisation, I believe, stem from people sharing anger or hatred at X for Y.
If a government creates a policy people don't like, or a news media distorts reality to its viewers, you'll probably (and do) get extremist organisations because writing an x every 4 years hasn't done anything.
It does make it easier, I'll give you that.
SzlampStudios 6 months ago
This is great defiantly need moor voices like this .
woofalot13 6 months ago
We need far more of that kind of talk, across the board, not just within the Ummah. We need young people across the spectrum standing up for non extremist options.
Only 2 ways out of this spiral.
Genocidal attempts to enforce unconditional surrender on the "other".
Or we make room for all.
Democracy, messy & a work in progress, & still the best system we have.
MultiCult, messy and needs a lot of work, yet it is the best system we have to avoid spiralling into global wars of genocide.
FLIPPINtheraya 6 months ago
A hopeful message, at a time when hope is sorely needed. Thanks for posting this.
1Weemaryanne 6 months ago
lulz Kosher and Halal Meat should be banned, barbarians.
Laughingblades 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Maajid is a wonderful speaker. He pauses at appropriate moments and has an attractive voice.
lahonda99 6 months ago
Maajid is a wonderful speaker. He pauses at appropriate moments and has an attractive voice.
lahonda99 6 months ago
Aw man, I thought you were on TED for a second there.
twankism 6 months ago
(iv) Finally, there is the trickle vs. flood problem of democracy. A mass movement is a power trickle (even very large movements) because it requires sustained physical activity (i.e., protest) often for years or decades. When stretched out for long periods of time, it is very hard to maintain effective momentum and movements often dissipate and collapse. The power of the elite is a flood: they can use highly concentrated, narrowly focused money to buy the power they need to prevail.
0gods 7 months ago
I saw this talk earlier on the TED Talks channel, and this guy is right on the money on all four of his main points. The idea of democracy as a universal value is something that absolutely needs to be reclaimed back from its misuse by the far right. And there's plenty in his ideas that apply to democratic movements beyond the Islamic world.
iamcuriousblue 7 months ago
(iii) Extremism and its threat of violence is the most useful tool in the corporate bag of techniques for suppressing peaceful resistance. How it works is simple: before a movement becomes large enough to actually effect change, an extremist splinter group is formed to introduce the potential for violence, actual violence or both into the movement. This development ups the stakes for would be participants putting tremendous divisive pressure on the movement.
0gods 7 months ago
(ii) Democratic movements are by definition mass movements. Mass movements are (for practical purposes) local and unique occurrences. The more people that are required to accomplish a political end, the more susceptible the end is to manipulation by the tools of corporate infrastructure--media, religion, police and military. While people march in the street, the elite discuss strategies in the executive suite. Sadly, corporate strategies have been globally tested and perfected over decades.
0gods 7 months ago
Comment removed
iamcuriousblue 7 months ago
@0gods You've definitely arrived at a pessimistic and anti-democratic argument based on your perception of absolute corporate hegemony. So if people are basically incapable of liberating themselves, what's your alternative? And I will note that specifically anti-democratic revolutionary ideologies have had a horrific record in terms of human rights.
iamcuriousblue 7 months ago
@iamcuriousblue A career in corporate strategy will do that to you. To see the political reach of the corporate form, imagine that everywhere you see a McDonalds or Wallmart is evidence that the force of neo-liberalism is at work (it has to be because these global entities only operate where the potential for profit is extant). At its heart, this force is about destroying anything and everything that diminishes revenues (top-line) or profit (bottom-line). Sadly, democracy is top of the list.
0gods 7 months ago
(i) This video is soggy cereal. Democracy and freedom are situational, necessarily vague and easy to co-opt. Nearly 70 years of well-funded, applied neo-liberalism has largely homogenized the corporate form (the scaffolding of the global, right-wing power structure) making it a tremendous force for maintaining the status quo; codified effective political power acquisition and control techniques (such as assassination, overthrow); and, honed disinformation and propaganda.
0gods 7 months ago
OH MAN this guy is well prepared! No notes I can see, no stutters and in front of a huge crowd. Great performance.
FHomeBrew 7 months ago
@FHomeBrew TED Talks tend to be like that, actually. I know it's something I could never pull off.
iamcuriousblue 7 months ago
Utopian idea, but when all said and done , the structure of group mentality carries the identity of the people .
True power lies in individuality ..
You think outside the box coughlan ... and your persistence for equality drives people to think for themselves ..
jungian9111 7 months ago
My wife and I are the products of this identification via "behavior," but it's all about the love!!! We want to make something new and far more understanding ;D
Peace.
pr0t0typeB0Y 7 months ago
His main thesis, that bigots would have felt isolated before, is flawed in that they simply did not. That is counter to fact. You didn't need the internet to get the Hutus to slaughter the Tutsi's in Rwanda or the Germans to kill the Jews and countless other examples I could name. Bigotry was always the norm, not the exception.
However, his point that global communication is giving them the opportunity to galvanize is well made. I think that it's also helping to make xenophobia less common.
TomatoBreadOrgasm 7 months ago
@TomatoBreadOrgasm
They were very localized conflicts in specific regions, and they did have to use radio for that.
The phenomenon of Egyptians being trained by Afghansto blow up something in Germany is a phenomenon that requires the internet.
superhamzah85 7 months ago
@superhamzah85
Point taken. That's a largely logistical concern in my eyes, though, and the spread of hateful ideology was never contingent on telecommunication (see: all sides in the crusades). Yes, the ability to mobilize globally is contingent on telecom, but extremists have never felt isolated, really.
TomatoBreadOrgasm 7 months ago
@TomatoBreadOrgasm
But the definition of extremist necessarily requires isolation, otherwise they would be moderate, purely by the functioning of the words. An extreme cannot be extreme if it's not relatively isolated from the non-extreme.
Sure one could find somewhat like minded individuals, but organized action to carry out terrorism globally cannot all be done locally, there's simlpy not enough people with those views to complete an operation.
superhamzah85 7 months ago
@superhamzah85
Hold on, so now that they're not isolated they're not extremists by your definition. Sorry, I reject that definition of extremism for good reason: it suggests that since it was generally held that King Richard was right to attack Jerusalem, it wasn't extreme. Further, there are plenty of people nearby to carry out terrorist acts, most of the hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, the point you're raising is again a logistical one. Carrying out the attacks is different from wanting to.
TomatoBreadOrgasm 6 months ago
@TomatoBreadOrgasm
They are isolated in REAL LIFE. And continue to be.
But on the internet, no one is isolated, you'll find people into anything and everything convene on forums, boards, etc. and in THAT context they feel normal, but remain isolated once the monitor goes off.
superhamzah85 6 months ago
I mean of course, one could find someone who says "Yeah! fuck America, they're assholes they deserve some bombs themselves!"
But that, and someone who actually is prepared to become a fully fledged militant, lies a HUGE gap.
Anti-Americanism with an Islamic dressing is common, like the Norwegian bomber and some hateful bigot of Muslims, to me, are different species.
superhamzah85 7 months ago
This was filmed on location in my mums hanging basket, Maajid Nawaz is actually only 3.5" tall.
35THIRTYFIVE 7 months ago
Wow. That guy is VERY knowledgeable on this subject. This all makes a lot of sense.
Zaunstar 7 months ago
The world's super power is a communist country, we just haven't figured it out yet. China is in the same position the US was in just before WW2 and if, god forbid, we have a large scale war, China will emerge the victor.
christo930 7 months ago
personally, I wouldnt trust maajid nawaz, ask a guy called tayyib muqeem.
jancrowb 7 months ago
Its official anyway...
"Study finds young, devout Muslims in Germany more prone to violence"
(Deutsche Welle, 06.06.2010)
And dont tell me anyone that DW-TV is some "Nazi TV channel" when its evidently not.
Wrath0fKhan 7 months ago
What are you guys doing!?!
Keel the guy! He's gonna turn on us! He's just lying for Islam! Muslamic terrorists are everywhere!
XD
Great vid Coughlan. Thanks for sharing
Xgya2000 7 months ago
This guy had a very revealing public discussion with Ayan Hirshi and I certainly prefer his take on islam to that being indoctrinated into children in the madrases. The organisation he represents promotes secularism and he is currently threatened by the extremists. I don't think he is entirely right in his approach. Clearly even in Egypt the problem is that Islam represents a political rather than an influence on a political option.
strangetranceoffaith 7 months ago
Thanks for uploading this, I've been meaning to check this video out.
dominictemple 7 months ago
If God exists, secularism does not !
penkallli 7 months ago
@penkallli So given that "secularism" *does* exist what does that say about god? ^^
commanderkruge 7 months ago
@commanderkruge
Doesnt exist meaning is false, belief in it is false
This is a problem for those who believe in God, not atheists as much !
Thats why so called islamists are right
penkallli 7 months ago
@penkallli troll
no2religions 7 months ago
Comment removed
penkallli 7 months ago
@MsRichtard So you are suggesting that we concentrate on the Netherlands 1st then? Great idea. They need to realise what society they are breeding & that hate is only a self fulfilling prophesy.
Great idea!
MilitantPeaceist 7 months ago
@MilitantPeaceist are you aware that only a small part of the netherlands follow the right extremist group? seriously, people who vote on the pvv (the group of wilders) is a small group and only part of the problem. Most dutch people dont mind a mutli culture society, in fact the welcome it. yeah, there are problems, but not by muslims. But by people who just behave like idiots.
jakiedark 7 months ago
Coughlan you bastard, I thought I was subscribing to TED but I subscribed to you ! Dammit
computerjero 7 months ago
As simple as it would be to simply disregard a creationist, an extremist, or any kind of nutjob, it needs to be remembered that no matter what they believe, they have the same intellectual ability as anyone else.
ZombieBite1991 7 months ago
Extremism, in and of itself, isn't necessarily a bad thing. It just depends what philosophy you're extreme in. Some movements need extremists. The legalisation of marijuana, for instance. If more pot smokers were extremists, it wouldn't be illegal here in the States.
aestevalis0 7 months ago
I wonder if this guy ever gets to mainstream news
MrPootisman 7 months ago
@MrPootisman Maajid Nawaz interviews:
60 minutes
Bloomberg
BBC
Larry King
davetoepfer 7 months ago
OH SHIT this is on your channel. I was wondering why your comments were up the top.
I must say, when we have wars like the ones currently led, for the reasons they are exacted & the disproportionate response to threat, then it makes the extremists job quite easy. There is a reason why the narrative is sticking so while what this guy says is apt, the activism should also be squared at the way our countries propagate democracy & secular governments as they are seeding it in a way that is unuseful.
MilitantPeaceist 7 months ago
What Nawaz is saying is 100% logical. My only question is what South American ideology has influence here in Alaska? Or is that map of his strictly exemplary?
aestevalis0 7 months ago
Age of Behaviour? I'm sorry but I don't really see what he's talking about. Is that his way of saying that we now connect with like minded people over the internet?
Zerafinel 7 months ago
Thanks to all who responded to my question. It seems Coughlan's statement that most are ex-theists is true for many countries, which is surprising to me and also gives me hope. I didn't know so many theists were becoming atheists. That is great news, I think. :)
OrthodoxAtheist 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist Oh yes, it is happening, I've seen it too. Atheism is spreading.
Zerafinel 7 months ago
Really thought provoking. Many thanks for posting this!
carnut015 7 months ago
@Coughlan000. Brilliant video, thanks for sharing
A5Hellcat 7 months ago
What a great presentation and analysis, we need more discussions like this to take place.
Webarton 7 months ago
Thanks for putting up this video!!! It was really wonderful.
Adnaana 7 months ago
Richard, how did you get that awesome tan?
Saaduk92 7 months ago
democracies do not work - it's always the 51% who get their way at the cost of the 49% - democracy is slavery
Judy101101 7 months ago
@Judy101101 Nothing works, but this is the best we can do at the moment. Figure something else out that will work and present your idea, otherwise your comment is pointless.
shamz0rz 7 months ago
@shamz0rz yes there are better ideas but no way can it be posted in a small text box lol. it doesn't make any sense to keep doing what doesn't' work, just because it's the best of all that is wrong makes it more the causes of why things are falling apart. time to think "the hole" must agree not just 51% of the richest or you get slavery and that is what we are wanting changed. and if my comment is pointless so is this video right - what's the point?
Judy101101 7 months ago
@Judy101101 To quote the video "Democracy is the best political system we have currently arrived at". He wasn't raling against democracy, he was talking about how democracy is viewed in different areas, such as Pakistan. He has a good point, showing that the idea of those cultures is that they're voting FOR democracy OR theocracy, and that that is the way the citizens view it. Rewatch the video, I think you misunderstood it.
shamz0rz 7 months ago
@shamz0rz if he is against it then i will have to have another view at this - he seemed to be for it from what I seen - I'll check it out again
Judy101101 7 months ago
@Judy101101 Not to mention, it's impossible to make everyone happy. I saw your profile said you have 4 kids, I'm sure you've had your situations where they couldn't even decide on what they wanted for dinner, and I'd guess that their political views differ, even if slightly, from kid to kid. No factor in the other 6.5 billion people... it's literally impossible to make everyone happy, majority is really the only way to gauge the publics view.
shamz0rz 7 months ago
@Judy101101 I think he meant to say a Constitutional Republic.
DiwataMan 7 months ago
@DiwataMan what is good for all, right but that is what the united states really is but something turned it into a democracy - so the rules need to be much clearer then what was in our past. leaders today get into politics for the money - I wouldn't follow anyone who is in it for profit
Judy101101 7 months ago
@DiwataMan A type of democracy.
kamijk 7 months ago
Dude, I love your new look! Where'd you get that awesome tan?
GreatBigBore 7 months ago
Consider the factors that develop conviction in those ideas and narratives. Confining identity to a single location is removing position from the equation that could help correct our own. These extremist mentalities developed in part due to the lack of alternative positions found in their environment that can be considered. Religions that propagate effectively, create this environment by design. Transnationalism also creates a much needed cognitive dissonance in xenophobic mentalities.
Dem212 7 months ago
Sales pitch for increased internet security.
Bulunderuuun 7 months ago
@Bulunderuuun im sorry u dont like the fact that the internet is te bigest breeding ground for extremism but at no point did maajid even come clse to suggesting that.
Coughlan000 7 months ago 7
@Coughlan000
But Richard, did you not say something along the lines of "The internet doesnt make people stupid, the internet just makes a lot more stupid people much more easily accessible."?
boonw 7 months ago
@boonw what the hell has people being stupid got to do with spreading exztremism
Coughlan000 7 months ago 10
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Bulunderuuun 7 months ago
Comment removed
Bulunderuuun 7 months ago
@Bulunderuuun 'Sales pitch for increased internet security'
Would that not be against his exact words of 'freedom of speech' & 'freedom of thought'?
MilitantPeaceist 7 months ago
@Bulunderuuun I fear my government more than I fear a bunch of shit heads a million miles away. But it's good to see someone see a problem and immediately jump at the idea of stripping themselves of any rights that would be worth defending from these same shit heads.
no2religions 7 months ago
@Coughlan000 Great vid! Very eye-opening and educational (I didn't know that's how they vote in some of those countries). Thanks for the upload.
Satanos777 7 months ago
Social networks are spreading ideas like viruses we need to spread democratic values the same way the Arab spring is just the start
10phoenix01 7 months ago
I just jumped up an screamed "Let's start" at the end of the video.
A very positive , peaceful and socially beneficial message.
Has this man written any books ? Or has he held any other presentations ?
gaglamesh731 7 months ago
Comment removed
WolfGuyX 7 months ago
that talker sounds like Omid Djalili and looks like baal out of stargate; his brother maybe
xMachineGhostsx 7 months ago
I love this man and his ideas. As I and many other people have said before; right wing nationalism and religious extremism, go hand-in-hand.
ginkiba3 7 months ago
Dude made sense, a lot of sense. I've been given food for thought, thanks.
jo05dk 7 months ago
@FaMingZhe Wow, you just tried to pwn a joke reply...i see a dumbass, and it aint electronic either.
sugelanren 7 months ago
This is the best explaining ive ever heard!.
Impul123 7 months ago
Hundred times more logical than Andrew Klavan's racism.
Zlibservacratican 7 months ago
''british pakistani'' your not british your still a paki
TheCcrack 7 months ago
@TheCcrack If you have a British mother and Pakistani father, or vice versa, you could be British-Pakistani. You ignorant bigot.
CammehYaBams 7 months ago
@TheCcrack Thanks for ruining this awesome for me, shithead.
eirefrance 7 months ago
Very impressive piece. Thanks for the upload, Coughlan.
AzmodanKijur 7 months ago
Are most atheists really previously theists? Is that true in America, true of just America? or true globally? Having grown up in England, the idea that most atheists were previously religious seems... ludicrous to me. I just assumed that the vast majority (like... 80%+) of athiests are and have always been atheist, from birth, without indoctrination of religion from their parents or peers. I would be amazed if statements to the contrary are correct. I'm asking with an open mind.
OrthodoxAtheist 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I dont know what the official stats are but judging it based on England isnt very good idea as england is smaller and much less religious in its nature.
Coughlan000 7 months ago 6
@Coughlan000 Mmm... I agree with that but I wouldn't say England is less religious. I would say we don't make it as big of a deal. Well, unless the pope decides to stop by. XD
Jamez773 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I agree and disagree with that point. I think it is part of a person's nature what they believe, but being raised Christian is not uncommon here in America for people who give up religion.
Drakescythe9 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist
I don't know about England, but it is DEFINETELY true here in American.
ComradeAlpharius 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I'm from Sweden, and when I grew up the majority of people around me here were atheists. Religion was viewed as a relic from the primitive past and was material for comedy mostly.
Zerafinel 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I was brought up a crazy pentecostal church and my whole family is(or are. family is singular so it should be is but are seems likly too) super religouis and I became an atheist.
greenghost2008 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I was born and raised in an all Christian household, in a part of the united states literally called "the bible belt"
I am atheist and most people i know feel the same, because we became educated and realized "Oh my family was actually full of shit"
i was indoctrinated and believed god to be real, he isn't he never was, the idea is ludicrous
OppositionDept 7 months ago
can someone be an extremist for democracy?
greenghost2008 7 months ago
@greenghost2008 You can be an extremist for anything depending on the mentality.
WolfGuyX 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist "Are most atheists really previously theists?" - It's one of those "he is in my camp things". My other "declared" that i was Church of England when i was born but i never believed but i bet those idiots at the church will still use me as one of their numbers in their propoganda. So in that sense, you could say yes, they are. But i was never a theist, if you catch my drift.
TheSpankymonkey 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist May I ask your age? I'm a little on the wrong side of 30 and grew up in England also. At school I was given bible studies and expected to sing christian songs regularly. My grandparents kept bibles and childrens illustrated bible story books to teach their grandchildren (and presumably thair parents before them) - I am only thankful that my parents were secular enough that they did not impose upon me, and that I was inquisitive enough to ask questions about God.
MrGoodNamesAllTaken 7 months ago
@MrGoodNamesAllTaken I am 34. I did have to say the Lord's prayer and sing hymns in assembly (age 7-10), but they were just words. It annoyed me I was not allowed to opt out but the prayer/hymns were just words. I knew it was nonsense and not for a second did I believe any of it. Both parents were and are atheists. I was baptized C of E because my parents felt social pressure. I had to take 3 years of religious ed. but was more education on all theism than indoctrination. Guess I was lucky.
OrthodoxAtheist 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I think you and I have similar experiences then. I didn't ever truely believe but there was a time when I didn't give any serious thought to what I was being told. I had avoided questioning because the answers to questions never seemed to satisfy and arguments met with resistence. I still feel that the cultural influences had an effect. I will blaspheme if I stub my toe and in times of stress I sometimes question my world view (but quickly come to my senses).
MrGoodNamesAllTaken 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I might well have never considered anything but the christian way.
MrGoodNamesAllTaken 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist i know that most of my friends that are now atheist, myself included, were all once theist and went to church and believed in god. since america likes to say its a christian or religious nation, a good majority of us have been to church at least for a good portion of our childhoods. in my home town, there were as many churches as there were bars/pubs.( and we have a lot of bars).
MsRobotRock 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I'm not aware of the stats wither, but from personal experience, I was catholic for 14 years before I became an atheist. Same story applies to many people I know. In America, it's more common than not that you are indoctrinated into a religion at birth, and saying "Under God" in the pledge every morning at school made it seem ludicrous not to believe in God. It's pretty unfortunate...
MudTide1993 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist
I was brought up to be Protestant but grew into an Atheist. And most of the Atheists I know started out that way as well.
SpartanM621 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist
I don't think it's true here in Scandinavia. But generally, I think it might just be true.
NBM397 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I don't know the statistics but I was raised in a Catholic society and only became an atheist after I turned 17 and started thinking about the facts and probabilities. I also know a lot of people with the same upbringing and change in views as me, and would not find it so hard to believe most people started as theists.
SirSeanald 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist Being portuguese and having had the privilege of living in your country for 3 years for academic purposes, I can perfectly understand where you're coming from and to give you an answer. In countries like Portugal, being religious was, up to at least a couple of decades ago, so ingrained into the society that there was no possible escape. Not being baptized and indoctrinated thereafter was a ticket to being ostracized. So, yeah, most atheists around here were former theists.
rouey 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist : I´m from Germany, and I was raised catholic. I even went to a faith school. Now, I´m an atheist, and my brother is an atheist as well.
kirafan68 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I think that most atheists had to have been theists first. It's not like you can stop believing in something you never believed in, or were even aware of, in the first place. That's why I find the whole "all babies are atheists" arguments kind of ridiculous.
aestevalis0 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist Most American atheists I have met were once Christians...but I don't know official stats on that.
fruitikay 7 months ago
@fruitikay Australia really doesn't care that much. Some politicians try to make it look that way but we don't listen to politicians as a rule. Out of every single person I have veer known here (30 odd years of memory), I have only ever known a handful of Christians.
Put it this way, if you were to say to a group of teenagers that you were atheist, you would only be introducing them to the concept of god.
MilitantPeaceist 7 months ago
@MilitantPeaceist I wish that was here...if you say you are an atheist, you get dirty looks and weird stereotypes. :/
fruitikay 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I was raised to be catholic, and I rejected it as soon as I really started to learn about the religion. Most people in the united states are indeed raised to be religious, so I think it's safe to say that most atheists here used to believe in sky fairies and global floods. I agree, it is ludicrous.
PluralOfEverything 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I think it differs according to the country. For example here in Polad the vast majority are "cultural Catholics" and pretty much every nontheist here has theistic background of some extent. I.e. AFAIR 95% of Poles were baptised and about 90% had first communion. But less then 50% go to church so that's propably about how many "true" catholics we have here (there's no significant second religion)
Ryuu44 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist I'm from and in currently the US and I was raised Catholic, even was confirmed which is as far as you can go in the religion without joining the clergy. I went to CCD once a week and church every Sunday when I was a kid. Now I've been an Atheist for over half my life, but I'm just one person so statically I really don't know.
MistressArte 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist Yea, I was a Christian up until I was 14.
Gotrilliten 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist
Hm, there isn't really any research on it. Some became doubtful of god's existence when they were children being taught about their parent's religion. My family's Muslim, though I wouldn't submit to Islam because I don't believe it's the "right" religion. I would say 80% become atheist at some point of their lives after being exposed to different beliefs.
RhumanIaffectionP 7 months ago
@OrthodoxAtheist
I'm sure other nations share this in common, but the US is relatively more religious. So the atheists here, I would image, are more likely to be ex-theists than those in Sweden because the majority of them are already non-religious. I bet this varies by how religious a nation is.
RhumanIaffectionP 7 months ago
This guy is hot yo
GenericFurfag 7 months ago
I know this guy from AJE and a panel discussion about Islam with him, Hirsi Ali, Douglas Murray and a naive british muslim. I don't like him pushing forward Islam in general, but for the sake of us all he is worth of gold, because he is fighting against extremist views, which we only rarely can debate, because they see us atheists or non-muslims as not trustworthy. For the moment we HAVE to appreciate his work, because the muslim world is not really ready yet for what we do.
MardasMan 7 months ago
I was wondering why I was watching this again then I realized it was because it was on your channel haha. This was a great speech.
anubis2814 7 months ago
In the thumbnail I thought he was in Wonka's chocolate factory.
tmowlee 7 months ago
Perhaps it is just me, but I get the impression that this fellow doesn't believe a word of what he is saying.
JimmyMacJones 7 months ago
I will compliment you and say that you're one step ahead on Mr. Nawaz proposal, Coughlan. Keep up the good work.
arsenelupin123 7 months ago
You can't exchange Ideas with someone who has imaginary friends.
hunga224 7 months ago
@hunga224 Well im sorry thats just a fucking stupid thing to say. Did u not hear this guy? he used to be an islamist extremist and now look at him. In fact most atheists used to be religious many of them fundamentalists...if we all had your attitude then we'd never have left our caves.
Coughlan000 7 months ago 40
@Coughlan000 Caves don't have wifi.
sugelanren 7 months ago
@sugelanren - have you never seen a satellite phone? They're really not that expensive nowadays...
BrianJ1962 7 months ago
@Coughlan000 Q: What's the difference between a Christian and a Five-year-old child?
A: A Five-year-old child doesn't insist that his imaginary friend is King of the Universe.
hunga224 7 months ago
@Coughlan000 he is after money.
hunga224 7 months ago
@hunga224 "You can't exchange Ideas with someone who has imaginary friends." RUBBISH have you always been an atheist? most of us atheist have grown up into it with reason and exploring life. Children have imaginary friends do you ignore them because you think you are too clever for them. You know I'm right statistically most of the people you interact with have imaginary friends get used to it. Only tolerance and education will help prevail.
NecipPerver 7 months ago 14
This has been flagged as spam show
@hunga224
"You can't exchange Ideas with someone who has imaginary friends."
- - Like Kenneth Miller?
MisterDax 7 months ago
No you cant exchange ideas with close minded people like you.
Chill197 7 months ago
Just like the "marketeers" ;I couldn't give less a shit if it crashes. I'm not rich. It won't hurt me any. To fight for these gluttonously wealthy is moronic. Rise up!
bamboo4tameshigiri 7 months ago
We need more gentlemen like Mr. Nawaz.
Klingschor 7 months ago
I thought Egypt was a military state after Mubarak was outsted?
Either way, while this guy has some good ideas, I think he is oversimplifying things a lot. It will be quite a challenge to acheive what he's espousing.
Gunderson002 7 months ago 2
@Gunderson002 Well he has to oversimplify to some extent cos he only has 18 minutes
Coughlan000 7 months ago 8
@Coughlan000
Well, that does make sense; I'm just saying.
Gunderson002 7 months ago
Thanks Coughlan for showing this video and exposing more people to Maajid Nawaz and his organisation Quilliam. They do great work in fighting against extremism and if people are interested they should follow your links you provided and go to their website, they have great studies on extremism from Islamist groups and far-right groups. I recently used a study of theirs which talked about extremism in British Universities, which is very informative.
29harveydinio 7 months ago
I like him. He got some sound ideas.
Dasmaster1 7 months ago
Thanks for uploading Coughlan
fett1818 7 months ago
Fantastic show. Thanks a lot for uploading :)
Theoricus1 7 months ago
the common enemy is fucking common sense.
Slapnuts6931 7 months ago
Very intresting.
It shall be thought about and ponderd upon.
Thanks for sharing, Coughlan.
TastyPie95 7 months ago
ted has very good talks
djlegacy96 7 months ago
His story is very, very interesting; his ideals even more so.
SpartanM621 7 months ago
moderates need to group up and comunicate more and protest more!!!
ThePeacefulAtheistt 7 months ago
I am just left thinking, 'what is his agenda?"
He was/is a great speaker, but what.....I mean....errr.
What did you draw from this Mr.Coughlan?
I heard a little bias at times(naturally, thats ok) but what do YOU think he is saying, please explain this, please.
MrPainfullytrue 7 months ago
@MrPainfullytrue You can research him for yourself by looking in the descritption box & checking out the links. There is no use asking me what his agenda is cos im not him.
His organisation has done great work in helping fish out extremists within many communities
Coughlan000 7 months ago
@Coughlan000 coughlan have u seen the interview he did with andy this guy pwned andy
bellyzbad 7 months ago
@Coughlan000
I agree, you don' know what his agenda is, but, your good at comedy!!
I think, if he means well and his heart means well, then it's all good.
I was expecting you to know, rather than the 'research' word......nor the time or the will, too many much more important things to do....though I AM interested.
Peace and take care of yourself Richard.
MrPainfullytrue 6 months ago
really intressting and he talks alot of sense and makes great points that I would love to seen explored more and worked on
FratisNox 7 months ago
this was an excellent talk
devchelle2 7 months ago
Quite intresting actually and he does have some really good points/ideas about extremism. Btw Coughlan you seem to have a couple of stalker trolls that instantly dislikes your video and says it sucks.
Juel92 7 months ago
@Juel92 everyone has those guys
Anonymous00616 7 months ago
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Nawaz makes an excellent point. Hopefully through this we can at least decrease the hatred.
Lenin200488 7 months ago
What we really need to do is to find a way to present viewpoints to a worldwide audience and discuss those views in the hopes that we'll realise:
a) We're not so different
b) Views aren't universal
c) The propaganda on both sides is bullshit
Now where the heck do we find something like that?! *Looks around frantically*
CuriousMoth 7 months ago
fascinating. the bit where spoke about political correctness shall be pondered on here for a while.
gothatfunk 7 months ago
Maajid Nawaz is a brave man. He must have enemies on both sides at this point (ironically because they both don't see anything other than extremists).
SgtSanchez 7 months ago