Has the term 'Liberal' become meaningless from overuse?

Question

'It's raining AGAIN!? Damn this liberal weather!' That's basically how alot of people have come to use the term, just a general description for something they don't like. The actual person's politics have become irrelevant. People have become so used to slapping that label on anything that diverges from some theoretical conservative 'True American ' path, or if they suspect you're not 'PC' (Patriotically Correct) enough that I've seen it hurled at true-blue, staunch republicans and old-line conservatives who dare question the actions and motives of the current administration. Usually accompanied by the latest conservative think-tank talking points mouthed like original thoughts. It's nothing but intellectual laziness! If you don't know what you're talking about the be silent and maybe learn something! Ideology is no substitute for knowledge or reasoning ability.

Answer 1

It has become meaningless from MIS-use, not over-use.

The term has come to be used as an attack against anything certain people or certain groups do not like -- whether or not those targets have anything to do with the liberal social or political movement, or the Liberal party of some countries.

The term has also been mis-used to mean things that are directly opposite it's actual meaning. For example, many Democrats (in the US) are socialists. Many Democrats are also liberals. However, the liberal philosophy is directly opposed to socialism.

But people who are against Democrats just lump them all together, and then use whatever term is going to carry the most emotionally charge as an insult -- completely ignoring the actual meaning of the words they are hurling.

Answer 2

I think it has become a "cliche."

Along with:

Democrat
Republican
Conservative
Redneck
Libtard
Red States
Blue States
Yankee

and my personal favorite cliche.... NEO CON!

So, when people want to make a point, try removing the cliche adjectives above and substitute the word PEOPLE and see what different results you get from the same question.

Nobody wants a stereotype.

Answer 3

I think that today's 'liberals' don't even apply any of the classic beliefs to their mode of operation. It's just what they call themselves so that they can fit into the political arena.

Answer 4

Not at all,

it's actually serves as a nice little catch-word for everything stupid, immoral, moronic, half-******, shortsighted, unpatriotic, illegal and infantile.

Sure helps us Republicans curtail the need for loquaciousness, that's for sure.

Answer 5

the term is meaningless just as the meaningless word of conservative.

Answer 6

Liberals have always been meaningless...

Answer 7

Thats why I prefer neo coms....new commies.