Fringe groups have been one of the most talked about subjects in the media recently, namely Antifa.

According to Merriam-Webster, a fringe group is defined as “a group with marginal or extremist views.” The Anti-fascists, or Antifa, believe in the condemnation of hate and racism by using radical, militant actions. While Antifa has good intentions, the methods they’re using are proving to be ineffective.

Members of Antifa dress in all black and are referred to as the “Black Bloc,” wearing masks to conceal their identities from police and people they are protesting against, which are most commonly right-wingers.

Antifa members typically show up at white nationalist, KKK and Nazi support groups’ protests breaking windows, destroy property and throw projectiles at police officers.

On Sunday, Sept. 10, members of Antifa and far-right protesters clashed in Oregon. The protests remained peaceful until Antifa began to attack both police officers and protesters. Multiple arrests were made following the destruction that Antifa caused during the protest, with many charges made due to interfering with a police officer and disorderly conduct.

Groups like Antifa want to make a difference in this world, but senseless violence that causes injury, and in some cases the loss of life, isn’t how you make a difference in the world. Hatred toward liberals has grown because of groups like Antifa, and that’s because the media tends to give more attention to the bad side of people representing liberal ideas rather than the side that organizes and carries out peaceful protests.

Although Antifa claims they don’t associate or support the Democratic platform, many of their ideas, such as social justice or equality, are also supported by liberals. Due to their violent actions, radical groups such as Antifa create a negative image for liberalism. They shouldn’t be chasing after right-wingers with violence just because they have differing opinions.