Why do so many people like extremes?
818077
I remember a study some years back that was basically a survey of people's political and social inclinations.  The subjects were asked to answer some questions about social issues, but the questions were not just the ordinary "are you for or against..." variety.  They were more complex and required some introspection before arriving at an answer.  I believe the subjects were also asked to identify themselves politically (e.g. liberal or conservative).  Interestingly, though, the results of the experiment showed that most people, regardless of how they identify themselves, are actually quite moderate in their views.  Had the questions been simple yes/no answers, the results would likely have been polarized.    \n\nAt the time I remember being fairly satisfied with the results, because it told me that the majority of the world is made of rational people who are capable of looking at both sides of an issue without consulting their team's handbook for the easy answer.  Social issues (including, I think, religion) are enormously complex, and do not deserve easy answers.  \n\nAnd I know your question was posted in the religion section, but I think the point remains: when complex issues are separated from their black-and-white image (e.g. pro-life, pro-choice; theist, atheist), the dogmatic "go-team" attitude falls away and people begin to think rationally.\n\nAlso, (and I don't know why) people tend to perceive ambivalence as a character flaw, or some sort of personal and moral failing.  That is why the dysphemism "wishy-washy" carries so much weight.  So perhaps in order to NOT be perceived this way, many people take a hard-line on issues they don't REALLY feel strongly about.
316724
As you will find most wars happen because people are so passionate about what they belive in. that in my opinion is why.
905509
The reason why our world has seen so many wars is because of extremism. \n\nAn extremist is one who denies the opinions of others and persues his/her objectives by any means possible including the use of violence and often twisted logic.\n\nJust look around nowadays, Bush, Zionists extremists, Islamo facists, etc, etc. The list goes on.
922368
yes. those people who say "i like everything by everybody!" are obviously not real music appreciaters. you gotta have some standards!\n\nedit_ i really do believe that someone could really enjoy every 'category' of music. but the people who say what you said they say are usually people who listen to those top40s stations that brag about their 'variety" (we play pop! and hip-hop! and rap! and pop-rock!). they think that that is basically everything
893214
because some people are narrow-minded
1145087
I like some Conservatives and some Liberals. Personally, I try to look beyond the "outer shell" and instead focus on the person. Many moderate Liberals have more in common with Conservatives than they do with "extremist" Liberals, and conversely, many moderate Conservatives have more in common with Liberals than they do with "extremist" Conservatives. \n\nConsequentially, in a lot of cases these names are actually misnomers because they carry ‘preloaded’ connotations that may not even be true. Major problems arise from slapping these broad labels on people because they encourage polarization rather than unity. In fact, the labels "Conservative" and "Liberal" have such extraordinarily negative connotations that they are used like socially acceptable profanity. You only need to spend a few minutes on Answers.com to see what I'm talking about. \n\nInterestingly, most people never really think about how they developed their beliefs. In most cases, people simply adopt whatever political affiliations that their parents had, just like most people unquestioningly adopt their parent’s religion. This kind of emotional, reactionary allegiance replaces rational thought and is therefore extremely dangerous. Let's stop the madness!
872646
They want what any type of extermist would want.  i.e. they are extreme in their beliefs.  When a person becomes extreme their judgment is clouded.  And when a persons judgement is clouded they start having delusions such as "everyone should convert" etc.\n\nBut remember extremists of any nature are dangerous, including extremist chirstians, extremist jews etc.  The press just don't give them as much coverage because it's "fashionable" to analyse muslims at the moment.\n\nI'm a muslim & proud of it.  But I would never try to force my beliefs on anyone because one of the basic principles of Islam is "their is no compulsion in religion" and this is stated clearly in the Quran.
517913
What makes them popular is that people just really want to be around them. Maybe it's their personality, maybe they have a huge built-in swimming pool. Whatever they have, it's something that people want.
994882
Most people are idiots. alot of ppl take things too seriously, even silly questions.
415520
b/c truth is scary.  ignorance is bliss, so alot of people gloss over the real world and dont think about the harshness of reality
300297
i think its just human nature..we always want what we cant have.. its the thrill of the chase..the natural high u get with victory..but one thing to remeber..the grass is not always greener on the other side..u may just end up with a withered old field..
745034
because most people don't agree with their views. that's why they don't run on their views
322653
it's that whole forbidden fruit concept. most people unfortunately want something more when they know they can't have it.
360197
cause they think there cool but they're not. Its like all popular now-a-days to be all like "i hate life". trust me i know. I had a myspace and like everyone was emo and had like black layouts. They think they're trying to not be cool, and be all rebelious, but really they are just trying to be cool.  ok and some people do do it because they seriously have that style, but some are just P O S E R S. if someone was emo before emo became "cool" then you can tell they're really emo.
641131
There, in my opinion, could be a lot of reasons why. Maybe you're just looking for something thrilling and different.
1105935
Because extremists are, be definition, those with the most passion about their causes. They make the most noise, get the most press, and write the most letters. Plus, they are reliable voters. Most politicians think if they can get the base, they can win; so, the ones the extremists vote for are, not surprisingly, the more extreme candidates.
1018557
Because people are never happy when they have something good, always looking out for something more exciting, ect... Instead of working on what they have. Good luck.