Left-wing extremism is a collective term for all efforts directed against the free democratic basic order that are based on treating the values of freedom and (social) equality as... . Left-wing extremists believe that overcoming capitalism is not possible through political reforms, but can only be achieved by overthrowing the existing state and social order. They are willing to use violence to reach this goal. The left-wing extremist scene is characterized by its heterogeneity, which is apparent in the differing ideologies, degrees of organization, preferred forms of action, and in the attitude to whether violence is a legitimate means to achieve political aims. Left-wing extremist audiences can be broadly divided into the following categories: political and radical youth, autonomists, anarchists, and strictly ideological left-wing extremists. Leftists usually have urban backgrounds, are highly educated, and include blacks. Left-wing extremist groups arose during the late 1960s, whereas right-wing groups have been a problem throughout much of the nations history. Left-wing groups emphasize class struggle and support for people in the Third World, whereas right-wing groups often believe in white supremacy, extremes of Christianity and patriotism, and involvement in the survivalist movement. Both types of groups exploit legitimate political issues to attract members. They both also recruit from the military and prison populations. Left-wing extremist groups pose a danger to the United States and need to be monitored.