Fanaticism facts for kids
Fanaticism is when someone believes in something so strongly that they become overly enthusiastic or obsessed. They might follow an idea or a group without questioning it. This strong belief can make people act in extreme ways.
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What is Fanaticism?
Fanaticism means being extremely devoted to an idea or a cause. People who are fanatical often have very strict rules. They don't like ideas or opinions that are different from their own.
Philosopher George Santayana once said that fanatics work even harder when they've forgotten their original goal. This means they keep pushing without remembering why they started.
Another way to think about it is pursuing or defending something in a very extreme and passionate way. This goes beyond what most people would consider normal. For example, religious fanaticism often involves blind faith and not accepting different views.
Why Do People Become Fanatical?
Fanaticism can happen when different cultures or groups interact. It often grows when a leader makes small changes to existing beliefs. These changes can then get followers very excited and passionate.
Sometimes, fanaticism describes behaviors that seem like a cult. People who are fanatical often have a closed mind. They are not interested in debating their beliefs. They might also overreact to people who don't agree with them.
Writer Neil Postman explained that fanatical beliefs are "self-confirming." This means they are set up in a way that they can never be proven wrong.
Fanatics Versus Fans
It's important to know the difference between a "fan" and a "fanatic." A fan has a lot of enthusiasm for something, like a sports team or a band. Their behavior might seem a bit odd or unique, but it usually doesn't break social rules.
A fanatic, however, goes beyond normal behavior. Their actions might violate common social rules. For example, someone who is obsessed with religion or politics might be considered fanatical if their involvement is extreme. It's much more intense and out of proportion compared to an average person's interest.
A fanatic is also different from a "crank." A crank is someone who holds an opinion that is very far from what most people believe. An example would be someone who believes the Earth is flat. While a crank's idea might seem silly, a fanatic's obsession can be about a normal topic, but taken to an extreme level.
Types of Fanaticism
Fanaticism can show up in many different areas of life. Here are some common types:
- Consumer fanaticism: This is about how much someone loves a particular product, brand, or trend.
- Emotional fanaticism: This involves very strong and often uncontrolled emotions about something.
- Ethnic or racial supremacist fanaticism: This is a dangerous belief that one's own ethnic group or race is better than all others.
- Leisure fanaticism: This means having extreme passion and commitment for a hobby or leisure activity.
- Nationalistic or patriotic fanaticism: This is an extreme love for one's country, sometimes leading to the belief that one's nation is superior.
- Political or ideological fanaticism: This involves an intense devotion to a specific political idea or party.
- Religious fanaticism: This is often seen as the most extreme form of religious fundamentalism. It involves promoting religious views very aggressively.
- Sports fanaticism: This is a very high level of intensity around sporting events. It can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior, like in football hooliganism.
See also
In Spanish: Fanatismo para niños
- Enthusiasm
- Extremism
- Fanboy
- Obsession (psychology)
- Zealotry
