Psycho-Babble Politics Thread 609370

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When did 'liberal' become such a bad word?

Posted by Racer on February 14, 2006, at 1:46:28

There was a piece on the news tonight about a town in Southern California boycotting San Francisco. The councilwoman being interviewed about it said they were doing it to punish San Francisco -- because they were so ... liberal. Said with such malice.

How did "liberal" become an insult? It has a few meanings, such as "tolerant, open-minded;" and "in favor of democratic reform;" it also means "generous" and teaching more than just technical skills. (<< The infamous "Liberal Arts" education we all allegedly got.)

That's so sad to me, that a perfectly good word, which means things that are generally GOOD, should become such a venomous insult.

Re: When did 'liberal' become such a bad word? » Racer

Posted by James K on February 14, 2006, at 3:02:13

In reply to When did 'liberal' become such a bad word?, posted by Racer on February 14, 2006, at 1:46:28

In the strict political definitions of the word, both liberal and conservative have become insults. It is perversion of the language. They both have literal meanings and they have historical political meanings. Now they are insults. like pinko or fascist. It is perversion of the language. There are probably some perverts wondering why I am demeaning them by using their identity in relation to politics.

I am Liberal. I am a Democrat. I believe in certain things. My party's platform doesn't always agree with my beliefs, but I try to influence them as much as they try to influence me. I will not be made to feel wrong for my beliefs, but the truth is, I wish people who believe different from me could be made to feel wrong. That is human nature. Only when criminalization and demonization become the vocabulary for discourse, are we really in trouble. "Sir, have you no shame?"

James K

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