When did the terms "Liberal" and "Conservative" become epithets?

Question

When I see these words in a question, it is almost always in the context of a misleading and baited rhetorical question which closes any real communication. Has our country lost the ability to have actual political discourse in a way that can create compromise and unity?

Answer 1

The extremists on both sides have used the media and the shoutdown interview style to demonize their opposition. Postings here sometimes reflect that.
Most of us can appreciate nuance.

Answer 2

Around the time of the American Revolution. The 'Liberals' were, of course, 'Patriots' (about 1/3 of the population of the American colonies) and the 'Conservatives' were 'Royalists.'

The Conservative Royalists got their asses kicked, but they still try to claim they have something worthwhile to offer.

Interestingly, every advancement in the entire country has been through the work of the Liberal Patriots.

Oh well . . .

Answer 3

The 'Great Divider' has finally succeeded in accomplishing something. Divide and dissent between the political parties.

Answer 4

I know of no conservative who views the term as an insult. We're not the ones trying to change what people call us. Liberals are so ashamed of what they stand for they have started to call themselves "progressives" in order to confuse the masses.

Answer 5

I take it as people just having fun. try to laugh a little. There are plenty of serious posts on here just look for them.

Answer 6

I dispise both these terms...they mean
absolutely nothing! I challenge anyone
to give me a concrete definition of
both these terms.

Answer 7

when flexibility and understanding went out the window