What do you think of this view of liberalism?

Question

"So postsixties American liberalism preseves the old racist hierarchy of whites over blacks as virtue itself; and it grants all whites who identify with it a new superiority. In effect, it says you are morally superior to other whites and intellectually superior to blacks. The white liberal's reward is this feeling that because he is heir to the knowledge of the wet, yet morally enlightened beyond the west's former bigotry, he is really a "new man," a better man then the world has seen before." Shelby Steele

Answer 1

Liberals set up the welfare system as a means to keep the black man dependent and to get him to vote for more liberal policies and politicians.
The liberal thinks this policy gives him superiority over the black man.
The true view is we should all aspire to be our best and be self sufficient.
That will result in both self-respect and garner the respect of others.

Answer 2

There is a level of intellectualism in liberalism, but that doesn't necessarily equate with moral superiority.

That said, just about every group thinks they are superior, that's why they are in that group. If Conservatives did not think that they were morally superior to libs, then why is there even a difference? Why choose pro-life if you don't find it morally superior?

So while that part MAY be true, it doesn't really explain anything specific about libs. But to specifically say that they feel superior to blacks I would say is incorrect. They feel morally superior to their intellectual rivals.

Considering that liberalism is about groups and individuals (blacks, women, gays, etc..) having equal rights, I just don't see how "morally superior" applies.

As for being above the west's former bigotry, again this would imply that conservatives are different. Do conservaitves feel that slavery is OK? Maybe it should be brought back? I seriously doubt you will find many educated conservatives that would say yes. So aren't they above the West's former bigotry?

I guess I disagree with just about the whole thing.

Answer 3

No matter the issue everyone feels superior when they think they are right and others are wrong.

Answer 4

Utter horse hooey.

Generally, liberalism has been at the forefront
of trying to get rid of racism, sexism, sectism, etc.

Answer 5

That the author doesn't know what he's talking about.

Liberals tend to believe in the equality of races -- though not of all individuals.

Answer 6

It is his opinion. It seems pretty weakly argued. I would need to read the papargraph in context before I could judge it any more than that.

Answer 7

I think it's when you look at a black man and don't kick him.

Damn liberals!