Signs of / steps towards extremism
The so-called “process of radicalisation” – the orientation towards a lifestyle of resentment, group-focussed hate, feelings of being monitored and violence– starts very early. The age at which first signs can be recognised is currently estimated at 8-9 years. However, there is much that suggests that the corresponding dispositions are set earlier. Furthermore, unconscious transgenerational impacts often play a role, in which the parents and their biographic experiences (of hate, war and violence) impact the children and set up certain patterns of behaviour in them.
Below are narrative passages that concern early symptoms of radicalisation; furthermore the first steps of young persons on their way into /onto the path of violent extremism are described.