The New Extremism Definition: Friend or Foe?
The government's recent revision of the definition of extremism has sent ripples through British society. While the specifics of who might fall under this new umbrella remain shrouded in secrecy, whispers of potential lists and proscriptions have some groups worried. But let's take a step back and play devil's advocate. If a group genuinely fears being labelled extremist, shouldn't that be a cause for introspection? The outgoing definition focused on "vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values" – democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, and tolerance. This, some argue, was too open to interpretation. The new definition aims to be more specific, targeting ideologies that promote hatred, intolerance, or violence, undermine democracy, or restrict freedoms. On the surface, this seems reasonable. Who, in good conscience, could argue for the merits of ideologies built on such foundations? Here's where the concern creeps in. Vaguely defined term