Need For Families

Domestic terrorism is violent or criminal acts committed by individuals or groups to further ideological goals. It has become somewhat commonplace in our societies stemming from political, religious, social, racial, or even environmental causes. When we think of terrorism, high profile cases come to mind where a mass shooting or a bombing has occurred. And when we think of radicalization, we probably immediately think of groups such as ISIS, Al Qaeda, and the Taliban.

Unfortunately, the radicalization which leads to such extremism is a broad trend across the West. There are many subgroups that have perhaps begun with genuine grievances they wish to address, but over time the cause becomes radicalized. For example, comparatively new to the scene. Incel began as a support group among men who were lonely and having difficulty establishing relationships with women. This benign beginning has become radicalized to the point of hating women. Incel proponent’s violence against women has been labelled as acts of terrorism.

Radicalization is not limited to any one part of society. The spectrum embraces both far right and far left. From the “alt-right” to the #MeToo movement, we observe developing radicalization.

Deep at the core of this development are an individual’s unmet needs. People want to be happy and feel they have meaning and purpose in life. When those needs are not met, a psychological condition can direct the mind to “causes” to provide meaning and direction. Emotional uncertainty easily fuels a search for personal identity.

Radicalization for some can provide a sense of security, acceptance and belonging. It can fill an emotional hole. In short – people need to love and be loved.

When a person’s environment does not provide the love they need, then it will be sought elsewhere. Underlying the social condition is unfairness and injustice. These qualities are in abundant supply today and when mixed with personal needs, emotions kick in. Such a mind can be open to manipulation, leading toward acts of terrorism as a means to promote a cause.

In the human realm, where does love come from? Is it not the family? Family means having someone to love you unconditionally in spite of you and your shortcomings. Family is loving and supporting one another even when it’s not easy to do so. It’s being the best person you could be so that you may inspire your loved ones. Family doesn’t see color, race, creed nor culture, it sees heart. Family is unrelenting, it’s secure and reliable. Family isn’t just important, it’s what is most important! (Marvin Lazenbury, MHS, Associated Director of Housing, Bucks & Montgomery County Valley Youth House)

The family is the nucleus of civilization and the basic social unit of society. Aristotle wrote that the “family is nature’s established association for the supply of mankind’s everyday wants” (William Bennett, a former United States Secretary of Education)

“Affection, Protection and Emotional Support – These factors are vital for the existence of the individuals. In order to develop the aspects of uprightness, morality and values, an individual requires affection, cordiality, protection, and emotional support. The family members possess these responsibilities of improving self-confidence, and support in relation to difficulties and problems. In the absence of psychological requirements, a person can encounter a lot of problems leading to operative growth and development. Family members are emotionally bound to each other, they provide all the care, affection, and protection for each other and are always willing to make sacrifices for each other’s wellbeing… the family provides instruction, direction, and guidance to a person about how to deal with the outside world.” (Dr. Radhika Kapur)

“Building strong families is a self-preservation strategy for any rational and sane society. An enlightened society is one which supports all of its members in reaching their full potential as human beings. I believe we can become true architects of our destinies rather than mere captives of our fate, of our past. This liberating model allows for true freedom as each segment of society takes responsibility for itself and for our extended human family. It is a strengths-based and wellness model which leads to evolutionary growth, resilience, and development towards the higher reaches of human nature. It is a vision of hope, based on the most powerful force in all of nature: love.” (Carl Totton, Psy.D., Professor of Psychology, Phillips Graduate University)

“The family is the basis of society. As the family is, so is the society, and it is human beings who make a family-not the quantity of them, but the quality of them.” (Ashley Montagu)

Brian Orchard