Is (a lack of) imagination the main difference between liberals and conservatives?

Question

Without imagination, you can't picture yourself in anyone else's shoes, and so empathy cannot exist. Compassion does not happen.
This would also explain why most artists are liberals.

Answer 1

That's an excellent point. However, its not the only thing.

All conservative philosophies are based from a deep rooted fear of inferiority.

1. Everything the human race does is derived from competition. When we play, when we sleep, when we wake, when we relax, when we eat, when we choose our mates, when we raise our children.. everything. Theists go to church and belief in afterlives to compete against the inevitability of death. When we relax, we pit one experience against another to create a more enjoyable atmosphere. Especially when we debate ideas. When we eat, we compete against the life that we ingest for out own nutritional needs - the competition doesn't dissolve merely because modern convenience has made it a completely one-sided struggle.

2. When people compare the value of two similar items, there are only three possibilities: A is greater than B, A is equal to B, or A is less than B.

3. Look at the issues that mainstream conservatives latch onto: Anti-gay marriage. Anti-gun laws. Pro-military. Pro-corporation. Anti-corporate legislation. Anti-taxes. Anti-welfare. Anti-separation between church and state. Anti-free speech. Anti-social security. Anti-civil liberties for women and black people (1900 - 1950's). Anti-abortion.

Anything that levels the playing field on a social, economic, physical, political, or spiritual manner, the conservatives, in one form or another will rally against it. What are their arguments against it? Only the most superficial responses, of course: my skin is whiter, I'm straight behind closed doors, my invisible supreme boogeyman says thats wrong, I have a penis and you don't, I'm richer than you or I have more stuff than you do, because I'm not like them and they say its good. On and on and on. The pattern is unmistakable. The question remains why?

Since legislation oppsosed to those listed in point 3 would only serve to "equate A to B" and conservatives don't want that, they must either want to be greater to their opposition or less than their opposition. Since conservatives never admit to saying they are less than other people, holding other philosophies, then they must, by process of elimination, think they are superior to other people by default.

Conservatives are so consumed with being thought of and seen as superior that they strive against any legislation that merely equates them to anyone else. Oh the focus and the methods may differ from conservative to conservative, but they all follow the same pattern in one way or the other. I don't know what that says to you, but it sounds like classic Superiority Complex to me.

Liberals on the other hand, don't have any such insecurity. We are usually quite happy with our roles in life and because we don't strive to own everything in the world, conservatives look at us as being lazy.

Answer 2

What a thing to say. I've been both and my imagination has never changed. I think I have a pretty good one. I've worked as an electrical engineer and a manager for 25 years of my life but have painted and written for about 45.
You're not talking about imagination but empathy and empathy is not dependent upon imagination. I have discovered that liberals have empathy for those who are like minded, conservatives have more empathy for those who have bad "luck" or get a raw deal through no fault of their own. I find conservatives to be more realistic in their wants and expectations and liberals to be more idealistic in theirs. We need both, too bad each side thinks they have the answers. A person writes in like you did, not to ask a question but rather to make a point. You don't like conservatives. You're probably rather young and don't realize that dreams, while nice, don't feed the baby. Why don't you use some go old liberal imagination and imagine writing something nice about conservatives; now that would show empathy and imagination!

Answer 3

I am a conservative and I have a vivid imagination. I don't have any problem feeling empathy or placing myself in the position of someone else. I am compassionate, kind, articulate and polite. However, your question does illustrate the main difference between most conservative and liberal thinking. Conservatives tend to be ruled more by logic while liberals are ruled more by emotion. This is not intended in a negative way. It is just an observation gleaned from dealing with many liberal friends over the years.

Answer 4

In my opinion, it is a lack of desire to learn about the 'other side'. Both Dems and Reps have redeeming values and priorities, but neither side is willing to listen the the other with an open mind. Abortion and Gay Rights are two issues that come to mind quickly. The standard criticism of both issues are 'they are wrong'. Simple as that. Sure, a bible can be brought out...but that isn't thinking, is it? It is taking the views or 'morals' given to you and incorporating them into your stand on the issue.

I dealy wish for the day that people have to come up with their own conclusions...based upon their own experiences, rather than things they have been taught or told to think. We need this desperately in our world today. Tolerance is in short supply...

Answer 5

No. There are a good many individuals who are not liberal but very creative. The difference rests in the set of moral values and political beliefs.

Answer 6

I disagree. Conservatives can have imagination, just look at this question someone asked on right here on this board:

-- Do you think Hillary Clinton,the Antichrist, sleeps upside down and spins her head around and makes faces ?

Someone who asks such a question is clearly a compassionate conservative.

Answer 7

The problem is groupthink. People define themselves as on one side, and anyone with whom they disagree as on the other side. The discussion becomes one of "us vs. them" and at that point any constructive debate is nearly impossible.

Answer 8

I'm a pretty creative, imaginative conservative so I don't think your idea holds. Besides, it's not like liberals are considering conservative points of view (at least not the far-left ones).

Answer 9

Look, its the Che Ghandi 'point gaming' clone!

I am conservative and I have a great and healthy imagination, so no. And I have been abroad and seen people suffer. I do not need to use my imagination to empathize.

Answer 10

No. It's a lack of standards that separates liberals from conservatives today.

I'm loathe to be compassionate to a NAMBLA member, sorry.