It seems to me that the word liberal is used as an insult or a put down when used in political terms. To me it just means open minded. What do you think?
2006-07-14 10:42:23 · 12 answers · asked by Dazza 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
I think you are partly right. 'Liberal' is a dirty word, 'liberal' is not. Neither should the word 'radical' be dirty, though 'Radical' is.
In the UK we barely have the emotive force that these words imply in the States, since we perceive that our three main parties (Labour Conservative and Liberal) are now so much in agreement about their policies that it is more a matter of emphasis and manner of doing things than about any radical difference in their manifestos. It is this, above all, which has led to a general apathy in the voting public. Football is now far more important to most people than politics in the UK.
Yes, in the UK the Liberals are still seen as somewhat ineffectual and idealistic as a party. In the US, though, Liberals seem to be seen as more dangerous. I wonder how much of this, though, is what we see through the eyes of the media.
2006-07-14 13:30:56 · answer #1 · answered by Owlwings 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People often associate the word "liberal" with the extreme leftists ("hippies") of the 60s. Conservatives have convinced many Americans that all liberals are automatically like this. They've convinced Americans that all liberals are Godless Communists.
This couldn't be any further form the truth. If the president's approval ratings show anything, most Americans are realizing that those stereotypes aren't true. Liberalism is typically a great thing, embodying acceptance and care for all members of society.
2006-07-14 10:47:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Liberal" is a dirty word to Conservatives - and vice-versa.
It's too bad our country is so politically divided - we're supposed to be a country of compromise, equality and fairness. But, the two political parties have put a stranglehold on our political system that oozes hatred and repulsive combativeness. Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity, and all the other 'talking heads' don't help matters; all they do is escalate the vociferation to a point of sheer banality. We need to work together to resolve America's problems; all these talk show 'personalities' do is tear us apart.
2006-07-14 10:50:11 · answer #3 · answered by -RKO- 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The republicans have turned it into a dirty word and dumb-a** liberals allowed them to do it.
By equating the word liberal with undesireable behaviors, they turned it into something "bad". And the sheep in this country believe it.
There are good concepts in both Liberal and Conservative ideologies. The problem is, the politicos an operatives foster anomocity (sic?) by accentuating the extremes on both sides. Why? All in the name of Power....
2006-07-14 10:49:28 · answer #4 · answered by dapixelator 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-06 11:41:15 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to some on the conservative side it's a dirty word... I think many in America know better... but Neo-con is becoming a bit of a dirty word too... but I think Bush and Delay are helping that one along...
2006-07-14 10:53:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's being open minded and then there's pushing your open minded views on everybody who doesn't agree with that particular view.
It just depends on the person and the party I guess.
I'm non-partisan, I vote for who I agree with on each issue rather than because they are in a certain party.
2006-07-14 10:49:49 · answer #7 · answered by lc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Right on!! I am a Liberal and have no problem being called one. If you really want to insult someone, find yourself a sheltered, narcissistic, conservative Republican and tell him/her that they are the epitome of hypocrisy, that they have absolutely no right to legislate morals or religion, oh and don't forget to call them money hungry, greedy, right wing bastards.
2006-07-14 10:52:07 · answer #8 · answered by Shelby67grl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is open minded and seriously open to everything... and British Liberals are the latter... which is why, they wont rule the day... ever!
2006-07-14 10:47:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is because most people associate it with a bunch of people who want the gov't to take care of them so they don't have to work for anything
2006-07-14 10:47:23 · answer #10 · answered by jpxc99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋