The cause of liberalism has received a very public black eye in the last decade and a half. Politicians have shied away from the ‘liberal’ label, the media has been accused of left-wing bias, and universities have been chastised for being fortresses of exclusively leftist doctrines and programs.
The Daily Titan believes that there are many reasons behind this trend but would like to address one substantial problem that has arisen from public perception. It seems that the minds of many have linked liberalism to a kind of left-wing bigotry that shows no regard for viewpoints that would somehow be in opposition to the cause. This clearly should not be the case; the very term ‘liberal’ should in practice apply to a person who is open-minded to all viewpoints equally and who is committed enough to diversity that he/she is willing to engage in open, honest dialogue with dissenters.
In accepting the Democratic Party nomination in 1960, then-Senator John F. Kennedy made a grand statement regarding his understanding of the term “liberal.” He said:
“Our liberalism has its roots in our diverse origins. Most of us are descended from that segment of the American population which was once called an immigrant minority. Today, along with our children and grandchildren, we do not feel minor.”
To be a liberal is to be someone who is dedicated to free speech and the protection of minority viewpoints, whether they include those of neo-Nazi sympathizers or apocalypse-proclaiming cult members. Or possibly, social and economic conservatives. Whether liberals have been implicated unfairly or not by those who would seek to tear down notions of political correctness or the death of moral values, they have certainly been guilty of responding at times with the same fortress mentality that they claim to abhor in the ‘moral majority.
It is understandable that many “liberals” believe so fervently in their chosen political ideology and orientation. However, demonizing the other side is not the answer. Whether liberals find themselves in disagreement with anti-abortion protestors or neo-conservative hawks, they should avoid engaging in derogatory personal attacks that could be construed as hate-speech.
If liberalism is to survive another decade like the last one, it must reclaim its definition. Liberals should be open-minded and tolerant, and not allow conservative voices to take advantage of their bigotry—perceived or real. The future depends on it.
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