Why are young people around the world drawn into political protest movements and terrorism?

Question

Is there something appealing about political protest and violence? Why are so many young people drawn into these terrorist cells?

Answer 1

There's no brainwashing by the parents..... that's crap. Most of the time the young are subject to influence by someone who is outside the home. It will likely be someone who is considered to be "popular".

The reason can be for some the excitement and intrigue that comes with such activities and the belief that what they are doing is for the betterment of mankind, or their own people.

Some may be drawn into this kind of activity because they are still searching for a cause to believe in, or a direction for their life.

Youth are much more idealogical because most haven't experienced the reality of life and still have a fairytale view of things. They become targets for those who are looking to recruit someone to do their dirty work. Most are thinking that they can "make a difference" or "change the world", when they have honey poured into their ears by those who are using them.

Answer 2

First of al, political protest and terrorism are two different things. Protest is legitimate--and the more the existing power groups don't like it, usually the more it's needed.

Terrorism is mor ecomplex. But here's a current example of how terrorists gain influence. Last year Israel responded (as they had everyright to do) to a Hezbollah kidnapping of two Israelis. However, instead of targeting the terrorists, they chose a "scorched earth" policy that failed to get their people back, failed to dislodge or disarm the terrorists--but did kill over a thousand Lebanese, wreck much of their infrastructure, and force a half million people from their homes.

Now--the Lebanese have little--they lack even basic necessities. Hezbollah has played on this, providing health care, food, etc. No one is under any illusion theyhave any motive other than to gain power and exploit these people. But what is the average Lebanese to think? On th eone hand, Israel--with the full approval of the Bush administration--is bombing them--while on the other hand Hezbollah is in their neighbor hoods with food and medical care for their children.

So now th emajority of the Lebanese people trust and support Hezbollah a lot more than they do the West. And the fact that Hezbollah killed Israelis too isn't going to count for much--not with people who are burying their children killed by Israeli bombs.

I'm not picking on Israel--there are other exammples, with variations--far too many. But the bottom line is that terrorists can find safe havens to build and plot their crimes only because we in the West have foolishly and shortsightedly opened the door.

Answer 3

The mainstream *cells* won't have us that's why. Mainstream society continually ridicules us, stereotypes us and dogs us regardless of how hard we try to do things the "right" way. So, if we feel that we can be respected, have some say so and be treated as individuals, not as just "those horrid young people who are so worse than we were", then we'll (and anybody really) will be more drawn to protest movements. That's all there is to it. It ain't pretty but it is the truth.

Answer 4

When Young people in America discover that they can have an opinion that differs from their parents, or "the establishment", and that they have a vote to express that..... This freedom, their idealism is refreshing. WHen they learn that it doesn't make a difference, that our political process and Government are so mired in Bi-Partisanship and corruption,and; that we are not a country, but a corporation they tend to want to be more militant or attracted to those causes/groups.

In Occupied and Oppressed nations, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan--When noone hears your cries for help--and the world turns a blind eye to your suffering--You began to seek out ways to make them listen, make them see you--However, the Palestinians are the only people in this century to be justified with whatever means it takes to regain their stolen land, and be free of their brutal oppressors. Their only other option is slow starvation, and being ran into the sea.

Answer 5

No, there isn't. It's just that their parents may be pressed into service, so young people grow up in a pro-terrorist environment and when they grow up they just do what their environment was at home.

Answer 6

Because old people around the world want to send them to die forn thier greed.

Answer 7

Because they realize that whatever mess the elected person leaves will be their responsibility to clean up.

Answer 8

they are young, they lack social experience, they are easily impressionable, and have those raging hormones that encite them to do things not necessarily for good.

Answer 9

idealism

Answer 10

They are?