Why is Liberal such a bad label in the U.S. and Europe?

Question

I don't understand why the word Liberal is viewed so negatively by the U.S. and Europe. My definition of a Liberal is someone who believes in individual freedom and choice.

A Liberal is also someone who believes people are intrinsically good and that everyone should lead their lives without judging or being judged, independent of sex, religion, race, sexual orientation.

A Liberal believes in helping his fellow man/woman either through charity or through government and doesn't believe that they have to be mutually exclusive of each other.

A Liberal believes that economic prosperity and government are just tools for the betterment of society and not ends in themselves.

A Liberal doesn't like the status quo and tries to change things for the better.

A Liberal is not afraid of change and believes that humanity needs to take more chances in order to better itself.

I could go on and on, but in the end, aren't the things I just described good?

Answer 1

Everything's a buzz word. Everyone's into name calling. I think Chris Rock said it best....

Anyone who develops an opinion before understanding the issue is a f-ing moron.

Answer 2

You forgot that liberals always think they are a tad better than "the masses". A liberal thinks the government should be like a parent, the government should pay our way and we all act the same way. A liberal doesn't believe people should be punished for offenses, just scolded. This will lead to lawlessness on a grand scale. A liberal believes in Big Government and that everyone should pay for this big government.

Answer 3

This post is messed up to the core!

Firstly, we aren't 'Liberals', their are countless numbers of left-wing ideologies. For example, i see myself as a Socialist, not a Liberal. Im more of a 'Right-wing, Liberal' if thats easier to understand

Secondly, Europe is the powerhouse of 'Liberalism' or at least New Labourism ie Centre Politics

The Traditional left died long ago in both America and the EU. Socialism has been replaced by Blairite 'Third Eay' thinkers...its a sad day in the West

Answer 4

Years and years of right-wing politicians, pundits and commentators drilling it into the heads of the masses. They have effectively re-defined liberalism. Sad but true.
See iamjem's definition, which is not the true definition of a liberal, just the one he's been brainwashed to believe.

Answer 5

Because most librals do not hold people accountable for their actions. Librals tend to place blame on society for the axe murders issues. People have choices in this world. My father is the son of immigrant farm workers. He provided an incredible life for his children....on his own. He never got hand outs, we never qualified for scholarships. He busted his butt to give us a future. Librals think the world owes them something. But life is what you make of it. I should not be held responsible because someone is lazy and would rather sit at home than look for a job.

Answer 6

no longer likely, you liberals have aholes working the prepare precise now. The Tea party and different precise wing extremists are being frightening as ever and your Democrats and Obama administration are yet returned spineless like they have been whilst Bush grew to become into president. thank you for no longer something.

Answer 7

yes the things you described are good but liberals also have radical ideas and basically all they do is whine about the government and how they are losing their rights etc. no one likes a whiner

Answer 8

Believe me, I wish I knew :-) The conservative platform sometimes reaaally scares me with how inhuman they tend to be.

Answer 9

Right-wing propaganda to conceal republican moral bankruptcy.


And that's "the way it is"!!

Answer 10

I don't know.