Which is least American?

Question

1. Perpetuating tradition for the sake of tradition (it's been this way for a long time, so it must be good) and pursuing money at all costs.
OR
2. Having a well-rounded and open mind that consistently searches for ways to improve society for the benefit of all humanity.

The first is a definition of conservativism; the second a definition of liberalism.

Answer 1

Conservatism and liberalism are equally American, but not necessarily by those definitions.

Webster's Dictionary says that conservatism tends to preserve established traditions or institutions and to resist or oppose changes in these, a definition that is similar to yours; however, Webster's does not include that bit about pursuing money at all costs, possibly because persons of such greed can be found espousing either philosophy.

Liberalism is defined as favoring political reforms tending toward democracy and personal freedom for the individual. Webster's definition says nothing about having an open and well-rounded mind, possibly because that should be the domain of both philosophies.

American democracy would not exist without both conservatism and liberalism.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Well it is funny that you bring this up however... when the libs are in the White House they want to perpetuate tradition for the sake of tradition and pursue money (taxes) at all costs. But when the Republicans offer true leadership in the White House the libs want everyone to have a well-rounded and open mind that consistently searches for ways to spread hate and lies about Republicans for the benefit of themselves.

Answer 4

Hmmmm let me guess which one you think is better... I say 2 "Having a WELL-ROUNDED AND OPEN MIND that CONSISTENTLY SEARCHES FOR WAYS to IMPROVE society for the BENEFIT of all humanity". Am I right?
I think a combination of the two is the best approach. Which by the way I don't necessarily agree with your definition of the 1st one.
A conservative believes it is each states' responsibility to govern its own. And being fiscally responsible. And provide rights for EVERYONE.
I myself am in fact a moderate and follow both schools of thought depending on the situation.

Answer 5

I don't think your definitions are correct at all, so it would be
hard to answer your question. Conservatives indeed want to
keep the things that have made this Country great for years,
but pursuing money at all costs belongs to power-grabbers alike
both Cons. and Liberals. If an open mind that Liberals have means abortion, higher taxes, taking God out of schools and
public places, removing Christmas from December, legalizing
marijuana, calling our president names, waving the white flag
while engaged in a war, then I don't think it would benefit all of
humanity. So, you've got your numbers all crossed up wrong.

Answer 6

Well if keeping what i have earned by hard work is a tradition then I am a conservative. If making money at all cost, I ask you what is all cost mean. If you mean to give my hard earned money to people who do not or will not earn it themselves then agan I am a conservative.Liberals love to take from the ones who made a life and give to those who did not or will not get off the dime and make something of their lives. I did and so can they.

Answer 7

I don't think you really give us much of a choice-- the second definition is one that a democrat would gladly accept, while the first definition is one that a conservative would find offensive. They are obviously both written from the perspective of a liberal. I consider myself liberal, but I don't believe you should make your question so one-sided and biased, while implying that you are "open minded."

Answer 8

no.2 is as unamerican as you can get. everyone knows tradition can't be changed and open minds are free and corrupt. why do you need to improve on something that is already perfect? greed makes the world go round. those damn liberal wanna take my money and give it to the poor and needy. they wanna take away my guns too. without my guns, how am i gonna scare away pesky neighbor when they come around begging for a loaf of bread. damn liberal should mind their own business and leave us rich folks be.

Answer 9

Boy, you have proven yourself to be yet another naive and uninformed liberal. You need to live a little longer, experience life, understand human nature, acquire a boatload of wisdom, and then you may be qualified to provide reasonable definitions of the above terms.

#1 is the least American and not a true reflection of what you meant it to be, unfortunately.

Answer 10

another liberal with false information

the real definition's are

conservativism

a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes

liberalism

a political or social philosophy advocating the freedom of the individual, parliamentary systems of government, nonviolent modification of political, social, or economic institutions to assure unrestricted development in all spheres of human endeavor, and governmental guarantees of individual rights and civil liberties.