What is the underlying philosophy behind left-wing and right-wing politics?

Question

Here is what i think it is.

First of all, if you don't know the origin of the terms "left-wing" and "right-wing" I suggest you look it up.

People from the right tend to believe that certain groups of people are superior to others based on their nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and or social class. The more right-wing a person is, the more this is true.

This explain's con's "english only", ultra-nationalism, hatred of mexicans (& french, gays, muslims, etc) inability to bring in blacks and jews to their side, respect for the rich, scorn for the poor (who they call lazy), christian fundamentalism, and long held hatred for feminists (who believe in equal rights).

The left, on the other hand, believes in egalitarianism. That means that despite our differences, we should all be treated equally and with respect. The more left-wing a person is, the more they believe this to be true.

Moderate left-wingers believe in equality of opportunity, while those further to the left believe in expanding rights to animals and complete socialism.

Right-wingers think social programs are a waste of money because they believe poor people are inherently lazy. No amount of money will change that they think.

Left-wingers believe in them because of a belief that people are all born with about the same capacity for success. It's just a matter of education and training. If a person is born int a poor family with poor resources, then use the gov't to help that person work his way up.

Answer 1

First, most people, be they right wing or left, want the country they live in to be a better place.

Those who are on the left tend to belive more in 'social justice' and want the state to ensure that all are given the chance to have equal opportunities. Examples of where left wing politics have brought about great good are in Sweden and the UK. Examples of where left wing policies have been ultimately harmful are the USSR, China, Burma and the like.

With right wing politics, there is less of an emphasis for the state to provide things, and more on the individual. A person will suceed or fail on his or her own merits. And if that person is less lucky than others, tough. Examples of where right wing policies have failed a country are Spain before democracy and most of South and Central America in the 1980's.

But politics is not just about left and right wing politics. The link below explains it in more detail.

Answer 2

Very well said though the American political climate is poisoned by the far right apaparatsiks to the point that they now even try to change those definitions.

The right is the side of social injustice ,militarism, racism, materialism,homophobia,and religious intolerance
The left is the side of pacifism,equal rights and solidarity with the poor and not for charity but because of our shared humanity.That difference is crucial! The left believes we're in this together where the right chooses everyone for themselves

Most people aren't totally right or totally left wing but a combination

Answer 3

It's simpler than that, it is:

"So.... what do we do next to make America better?" And that goes for both parties. It has nothing to do with thinking I'm better than you are, or extending our rights to the squirrels.

Answer 4

Divide and Conquer.

Answer 5

Left Wing - I want it for free

Right Wing - I will work for my keep

Left Wings - I want to hug and understand our enemies.

Right Wings - I want to kill my enemies

Answer 6

Money. Work for yourself or for others.

Answer 7

right-wing: Do for yourself

left-wing: Do nothing