At a certain stage in the evolution of recognition of a problem and of the articulation of protest against those perceived as reinforcing it, extreme forms of polarization become counter-productive. Such polarization makes it impossible for any middle ground or alternative to be explored through which movement beyond the problem can be opened up.
Examples can be seen in the anti-apartheid movement in which any not in favour of sanctions are perceived as being pro-apartheid. Similar examples occur in the protest against nuclear power, armaments, multinational corporations, communism, capitalism and abortion.