Sep 07 2008
Self-Identity, Politics, and Why Liberal Became an Insult
If politics were a simple matter of differing beliefs, it would be nowhere near as contentious an issue as it presently is, and always has been. People, especially those dedicated to politics, use their political views as a way to concretely define themselves and to dictate their opinion of almost any situation that exists or should arise. It is a statement of ones personal nature, one that they can comfortably disclose to others - this is amazing considering how reluctantly individuals disclose other personal information that is likely to be far less revealing.
However, this makes the criticism of one’s beliefs an incredibly sensitive issue, as it symbolizes the rejection of a prominent part of their identity. When you tell somebody that you disagree with their political beliefs, or far worse, tell them that they are wrong, you are threatening their identity. This results in instinctual self defense mechanisms such as aggressive retaliatory criticism or complete ignorance towards the opposing beliefs.
Since conservatives have a specific and interconnected set of beliefs, criticizing a conservatives single belief is tantamount to rejecting their identity as Conservative as a whole, This specific aspect is not an issue with liberals, as they desire viewing differing viewpoints, and criticizing their specific views is not a challenge to their identity. Instead, the criticism of liberals is directed to the identity of Liberal as a whole.
Over time, the defense mechanisms reached equilibrium by making the word liberal an insult in itself. This is strongly reflected today; in the primaries, conservative candidates tried to prove why they are more conservative than any of the other candidates, while the liberal candidates had to fear being designated as the most liberal and therefore avoided such statements. This does not prevent liberals politician’s ideas from following their identity, though it hinders their willingness to pursue extremely liberal ideas for fear of the rejection that would inevitably result.
5 Responses to “Self-Identity, Politics, and Why Liberal Became an Insult”
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You almost did it. Your first two paragraphs were incredible, and then you blew it with your bias against conservatives.
I have all faith that as you continue you will eventually get to a point where you can recognize in yourself the very behavior you accuse Conservatives of wallowing in.
Liberal: 1 a: of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts barchaic : of or befitting a man of free birth
2 a: marked by generosity : openhanded b: given or provided in a generous and openhanded way c: ample, full
other definitions: broad-minded; especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
and
of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism bcapitalized : of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism; especially : of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives
Conservative:1: of or relating to a philosophy of conservatism bcapitalized : of or constituting a political party professing the principles of conservatism: as (1): of or constituting a party of the United Kingdom advocating support of established institutions
and
ending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional b: marked by moderation or caution c: marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners
Don’t let the author of a post titled “Conservative Politics Today” try to tell you about bias.
Of course I am bias and I do not pretend to be otherwise. AND, unlike the author of this blog I am able to easily identify and acknowledge my own bias. I do not pretend to be a pseudo intellectual unbiasly disecting the potlicial relm.
yes, I am biased, just like everybody ele, and that has been explained far too many times for it to be flat out ignored.
No, I wont notice your specific problem with my posts because I have no idea as to what you’re talking about. And you keep treating what you’re saying as definitive, yet you’re not using any support whatsoever, and comments left by others haven’t either. Try presenting a perspective and then there can be a civil discussion, and I can refine my beliefs, because the cliche “you’re biased and wrong because I said so” argument won’t work. So far you’re just exemplifying my points on conservatives.