What factors decide whether someone will be a conservative or a liberal? Why not both?
Asked by
ETpro (
34605
)
September 11th, 2011
First, let’s dispose of the ugliness that political movements have tried to attach to each word. Let’s look at how Merriam-Webster defines the terms.
Conservative has several meanings we aren’t interested in. It is the name of several political parties here and there around the world. It is one branch of Judaism. These are not the meanings we are dealing with here. The dictionary offers us these definitions that we’re interested in:
a tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional
b marked by moderation or caution <a conservative estimate>
c marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners
These are important values to uphold. Society breaks down when change comes too quickly. We are apt to abandon institutions or ways of behaving that are essential to the smooth operation of our culture.
Likewise, Liberal is the name of one or more political parties, a branch of studies called liberal arts, and generosity (giving liberally) It’s also been used as a term of derision and demonization by some conservatives bent on asserting their political ideas over all others. But like conservative, it is an inherently good and necessary way of thinking. The dictionary provides these definitions that we are interested in discussing here:
a marked by generosity : openhanded <a liberal giver>
b broad-minded; especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
Since the only constant in this physical Universe is change, a certain degree of liberalism is necessary to adapt to the constantly changing world around us. Even the world’s best buggy whip manufacturer of the 18th century would find little work in the 21st century.
Conservatism and liberalism should not be mutually exclusive one-track thought processes. To make sound decisions, a person needs a healthy measure of both philosophies. Those who cling only on one or the other way of thinking are sure to go astray in selecting policies that will work for the good of a nation. So how did we get stuck in America in seemingly armed camps each accusing the other of destroying all Americans hold dear? What makes someone so conservative or liberal they are incapable of seeing the value of both ways of thinking; and dedicate themselves to an extreme of one or the other alone?
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24 Answers
Nope, no can of worms here….
I grew up and watched how my parents behaved. They cared about others, they looked out for the underdog, they gave generously, they were kind. I never even thought about being a conservative as I love and value other people and diversity. I am not driven by money, by hoarding things from others who need it, by judging those who are different from me and trying to control them with laws that maintain my view of the status quo.
I think listening and being open-minded is the key. I’ve actually had some great conversations on Fluther that have educated me on conservative views of which I was unaware. Conservatives and liberals generally have far more in common than they realize since they get caught up in accusations and using bad sources. But generally liberals and conservatives are in agreement on issues like reforming the tax code, making gov’t more efficient, not wasting money, and not applying useless regulation. One might think on the surface that they aren’t, but thoughtful and rational discussion usually reveals they are.
When one gloms onto a heavily biased media outlet, that screws up that person’s ability to participate in rational discussions. First you have to get said individual to see the problem with their information, and that isn’t easy.
I think the most fundamentally substantive divisive issues between liberals and conservatives are not the fiscal ones so much as the social ones. Generally the main reason I identify more as a liberal than a conservative is mainly because of issues like gay marriage, religion, abortion, and climate change. Obviously these can have fiscal ramifications too, such as how our society regards assisting the poor and disabled, but to answer the main question, it is difficult to find common ground on such issues. You can’t be for and against abortion rights. You can’t think it’s great for leaders to push a religious agenda and not great.
Personally I’m generally a bit libertarian on economic issues, and very liberal on social issues.
Just another point, I think you hit the nail on the head that one needs a healthy dose of both philosophies to understand an issue. I can’t really debate the issue of corporate tax rates without fully understanding both sides of the argument. Like any debate.
Also, ego stops one from wanting to admit to agreeing with what one may view as “the other side.” If someone is shown conclusively that, say, evolution is real or that maybe gov’t regulation isn’t the solution, frequently that person has an irrational response.
My family were staunch republicans forever and I messed with the curve by becoming a liberal apolitical. lol
I believe that, as with many beliefs, a lot is simply rote programming, blind following without real, personal investigation.
A lot of people live their lives this way, never really taking to task their belief systems, or those of the “majority.”
I think at least 30% is genetic. But that’s just a gut feeling. I don’t know of any studies to back this up.
@mattbrowne I have never considered it to have a genetic component, that’s an interesting assertion. I don’t know how that could work on a biological level.
I think it may be because those two are the only choices right now. In today caustic politic you had better be on one side or the other or risk the wrath from both extremes. I don’t think it’s genetic as much as real life experiences. There will always be the dedicated career conservatives and liberals.
A lot of it is just social acceptance too I think. For example, I’ve got a buddy who calls himself conservative and always votes Republican. However, on discussing most political issues, it turns out he actually believes a far more liberal view than conservative. But all his extended family and long time friends are conservative. So, he just figures he’s conservative in that regard. Kind of like how I celebrate Christmas, just a time to be with family.
Now that I
have thought about it, I think a person who has become more independent and self reliant just might be a conservative. It ‘s not scientific because I can honestly say I haven’t really looked this up before.
Brains. Could brain munching zombies be the ultimate means to effective government?
There is a distinct lack of understanding between the ideologies. To make matters worse we tend to argue the extremes, the all or nothing arguments. Do this policy or do nothing is a constant theme.
The lack of understanding is made worse by supposedly scientific studies such as the first link from @laureth. They conclude that “Hitler, Mussolini, and former President Ronald Reagan were individuals, but all were right-wing conservatives”. I doubt many would use Reagan in the same sentence as those guys except hard core liberals. To add fuel to the fire they also conclude that Stalin, Khrushchev or Castro might be considered politically conservative. Is there any doubt that this was a left wing hit piece disguised as science?
We’ll never come to any aggreement or understanding as long as we use every opportunity to attack the other side.
One has more compassion than the other lol. So where does compassion come from? Something that bother me about some conservatives is their seeming lack of disregard for everyone except Americans. “Why are we helping other countries?! What about everyone here?! Mexicans and illegals are getting a free ride! What about real Americans?!”
Then there’s the baffling notion that poor people are always poor because they’re lazy: “My grandpa went from being an orphan to making $300,000 a year, so why are all these people on welfare?!”
Then there’s the notion that businesses can only be prosperous without any regulation so they have the power to abuse it lol. Any attempt to help these people act ethically is turning the U.S. into a “nanny state”.
This is by all means not the conservative base (I hope), but I see a lot of stuff like this.
I have always liked what renowned freethinker and publisher of Skeptic magazine had to say about the whole thing. He has since swung further to the libertarian side (as I have), but I believe his functionalist perspective still has a lot of merit to it.
Your question sounds pretty serious, @ETpro, but it’s in Social. And that means I won’t get busted for quoting Private Willis’s song of solitary reverie while on sentry duty at Westminster in the middle of the night:
SONG—PRIVATE WILLIS.
When all night long a chap remains
On sentry-go, to chase monotony
He exercises of his brains,
That is, assuming that he’s got any.
Though never nurtured in the lap
Of luxury, yet I admonish you,
I am an intellectual chap,
And think of things that would astonish you.
I often think it’s comical—Fal, lal, la!
How Nature always does contrive—Fal, lal, la!
That every boy and every gal
That’s born into the world alive
Is either a little Liberal
Or else a little Conservative!*
Fal, lal, la!
When in that House M.P.‘s divide,
If they’ve a brain and cerebellum, too,
They’ve got to leave that brain outside,
And vote just as their leaders tell ‘em to.
But then the prospect of a lot
Of dull M.P.‘s in close proximity,
All thinking for themselves, is what
No man can face with equanimity.
Then let’s rejoice with loud Fal la—Fal la la!
That Nature always does contrive—Fal lal la!
That every boy and every gal
That’s born into the world alive
Is either a little Liberal
Or else a little Conservative!
Fal, lal, la!
—W.S. Gilbert, from Iolanthe by Gilbert & Sullivan
* Pronounced to rhyme with “alive.”
@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard I’d never heard of Michael Shermer until last night when I found a copy of one of his books in my house and started reading it. I like his world view.
@cockswain he’s cool as hell. I’ve cited him numerous times in various essays. He’s one of very, very few actual true independent thinkers in the world, in my opinion.
Fact is you can be both, but not at the same time.. For instance, you can’t fight for the preservation of say, an apartment complex, then invite all the poor to make themselves at home..
“marked by moderation or caution”
Then what we have opposing the Liberals are not Conservatives :p
Seriously, many of those who call themselves “Conservatives” consider moderation a sign of weakness, almost as bad as compromise. And it makes those that fit the traditional meaning of “Conservative” look bad by association.
Personally, I am both Liberal and Conservative, but in today’s “You’re either with us or against us!” society there is no such thing. Black/white, either/or extremism is the norm.
@Blackberry It didn’t used to be, but that is what the base is now. Sad, eh?
@laureth Thanks for the links. Same to @Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard
Great answers handed out to all who participated meaningfully. I’m not going to argue pro or con regarding what anyone says here. I just wanted top know what you felt—and get a laugh from my friend @Jeruba
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