In a recent article entitled “Who’s to blame for the ‘Jihad Generation?’” Paul Metzger writes, “The news that British and American young people have sympathies and allegiances with groups like ISIS is quite troubling. To the extent that such connections are fueled by disillusionment and distress over a lack of opportunity to flourish as honorable members of democratic and capitalistic societies, to that extent (and more) these same societies must become intentional about inspiring hope that involves deconstructing exclusive structures and fostering widespread ownership.” (1)
A multifaceted problem like why the disillusioned turn toward violent expressions of faith eludes simple answers. I commend Paul for putting forth the topic for discussion, knowing that many who claim to have the answer to such problems will likely attack anyone who puts forth any suggestion that there is enough blame to go around for the radicalization of a faith system by terrorist organizations like ISIS. The evidence of a desire to simplify the problem and demonize the ‘Jihad Generation’ are to be seen in the comment section on Paul’s blog, “Uncommon God, Common Good.” Those who have no interest in examine the possibility of individual or societal culpability beyond that assigned to the “other”—whether that is a nation-state or another religious group—have little patience for any sort of nuanced answer to why a group like ISIS appeals to disenfranchised western youth.
So, with that said, I will not claim to know why anyone acts the way they do in response to their situation. In the democratic system, mere engagement is often not enough. Freedom and participatory governance cannot be fully realized by simply “showing up.” One has to persist without any promise of reward in order to have any hope of realizing the ideals of a democratic or capitalistic system. How foolish would it be is those who fought for civil rights in generations past had given up after the first sign of resistance to their ideas? Regardless of where one stands on the issue of marriage equality for the LGBT community, they are a fine modern-day example of where persistence in the democratic process can get you! I would defy you to find a similar example in any other governmental system outside our Western democracies.
So how might we “inspire hope” for the disillusioned among us, hopefully curbing the tendencies of youth drawn toward jihad out of frustration with what they see as the failings of our cultural systems and governance? Is there any hope for including these voices in public discourse and hearing their sometimes painful critique of our inability to be the inclusive and just people we aspire to be? And, would simply listening to these concerns be enough to inspire hope? It is entirely possible that even after hearing the critiques of those who feel oppressed and disenfranchised by the powerful and privileged we refuse to change. For, not ever voice of criticism is deemed legitimate, nor should they be. But, those who truly wish to improve the culture and aspire to the same goals, dreams, and aspirations of freedom, liberty, and justice… we would do well to listen to their concerns.
And, for me, I suppose that is the fundamental piece that ties my thoughts all together… just how invested in making things better am I and are those who feel changes need to be made in order to curb the radicalism of the “Jihad Generation?” If I am willing to befriend, engage in dialogue, and work together with those the world suggests I should dismiss as an unredeemable enemy, then perhaps I will have that opportunity to see just what God can accomplish.
(1) Read more at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/uncommongodcommongood/2014/09/who-is-to-blame-for-the-jihad-generation/
