why some people abuse liberals?who are liberals?

Question

is the word "liberal" a word of abuse. i have come across some people using in that way. what is the definition of liberals?

Answer 1

This is an interesting question (albeit it needs the word "do" after the first word).

People who are called "liberal" in contemporary America are not truly "liberal". The term literally means "open-minded". That they may be comparatively open-minded (compared to conservatives) does not really establish the fact. People who oppose the conservatives often phrase their invective in hostile, mean ways. Sometimes they are even threatening. But threats and hostilities are inherently illiberal, no matter what conservatism they're directed at.

"Liberal" has been used increasingly as a term of abuse since the presidency of Ronald Reagan. Reagan was a conservative, as everyone knew, but being conservative was rather embarrassing back then. But Reagan was personally popular; people liked the man more than his politics. He was called "the Teflon President" because his stupid remarks did not seem to hurt him politically. People just plain liked the guy. But he was definitely conservative. So "conservative" became legitmate, and its opposite, liberalism, became increasingly reviled.

Society continues to change, and the values and policies of the people and their government change also. People (the white, the male, the rich, the established, the fearful, the nationalist, the opinionated religious) have become increasingly dissatisfied with the results of...well...fuller democracy: women voting, the poor voting, minorities voting, immigrants, especially hispanics, increasing their cultural and political influence. The results are sociological changes that are anathema to the conservative mind: the myth of short prison sentences, the myth that children who are not beaten become criminals, the myth that guns make people safer, the myth that the death penalty for murder reduces the incidence of murder. Conservatives (and importantly their money) have considerable influence though. The Fox News channel has doubtless a great influence in reinforcing the extant political views of the eleventh-grade graduate.

The word "liberal" is typically used, besides by people whose parents teach them to hate liberals, by young people who sense that the (otherwise) priviliges they might enjoy as a result of being stronger, wealthier, whiter, more connected, etc. are slowly being eroded. The conservative cannot comprehend that GW Bush has given far more federal money to the rich than his government has given to the poor in Welfare and WIC and food stamps, and all other social services. The numbers are irrelevant. It is the sense of creeping loss of social status that impels the invective.

Answer 2

Liberal term is misused in America lol. First, Liberal definition can vary. Historically Liberal meant reforming faction in most countries. Its technically wrong to think a liberal is one for government intervention in the economy like tariffs to protect a industry. Populism is left but its not liberal always because it came be socially conservative on moral issues, but socialistic on economic issue. Conservative can mean me fiscally tight on money, and pro-free trade, but socially liberal. In all, its not easy to label a person one way or another

Answer 3

Last time I checked freedom of speech was protected by the Constitution. I keep seeing cons on here saying that libs are against free speech. Wanting to force your neighbors to move over a bumper sticker seems to be pretty intolerant of free speech to me. There are plenty of Conservatives who use drugs and most drug abusers are apathetic and apolitical. How do you know they are drug abusers? Do you have proof? It takes solid evidence to arrest and convict people, nowadays. Maybe you're the one that's a drug abuser and all that cough syrup is making you anti-social. How many times are you going to ask this question? I suggest that if you get a life, your neighbors won't bother you so much.

Answer 4

I'm a Liberal and support Bush. (gasp) Being Liberal is a conglomeration of ideals. Good ideals. We work to improve the nations wealth by tax increases, support public education, safety nets, a national health care, abortion. Were peaceful, open minded and usually passive about certain situations. (some of us)
There is nothing wrong with being Liberal, just as there is nothing wrong with being Conservative. These are just ideals, and the way people think is the best way to improve our nation. I hope this helps you, and good luck on finding your political wing.

Remember, one ideal that differs. from your spectrum, dose not turn you into the other side. Its based on the majority of the ideals and beliefs you have.

Answer 5

I don't give definitions of "liberals," I give examples. Justices William O. Douglas, William Brennan, and Thurgood Marshall were examples of liberal Supreme Court Justices.

Answer 6

if by word of abuse you mean loaded term, yes it is. there are several definitions to the word; like almost every word context is critical in trying to figure out what people are associating the word with. some might associate with free market capitalism, some with generosity, others with John Kerry and Hillary Clinton.

Answer 7

LOL people that don't like Bush. Or Republicans in general. Of course, that's the political side. There's more to "liberals" than just politics.

Answer 8

in the usa that word has become as a tool to call names others who are left oriented thinkers,who advocate abortion is prerogative of women. even radical feminists are also dubbed as liberals. previously the word commie was used as a word of abuse.after the collapse of the ussr, that word has become obsolete

Answer 9

In theory, liberals favor change, while conservatives favor the status quo.

In reality, both parties favor change when it benefits them, and favor the status quo when it doesn't.

The end.

Answer 10

It means "giving' or "generous". I'm proud to be a liberal.