Why is the word "liberal" such a dirty word? (extremist, revolution)
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Webster's:
Main Entry: 1lib·er·al
Pronunciation: \ˈli-b(ə-)rəl\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin liberalis suitable for a freeman, generous, from liber free; perhaps akin to Old English lēodan to grow, Greek eleutheros free
Date: 14th century
1 a: of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts <liberal education> barchaic : of or befitting a man of free birth
2 a: marked by generosity : openhanded <a liberal giver> b: given or provided in a generous and openhanded way <a liberal meal> c: ample , full
3obsolete : lacking moral restraint : licentious
4: not literal or strict : loose <a liberal translation>
5: broad-minded ; especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
it is only to the very far right. There are people in this society that look down on one's who go see art Museums, theater, science events, or anything of culture. It is just a world that they don't get. Like some liberals don't get running around chasing greased pigs.
the word itself isn't dirty. I like to liberally put salt and pepper on food. it's not the word, it's the people. I am pretty socially liberal. I don't think the government has any business telling us what we can do at all. people who are extremely liberal are just naive. they think that all the problems of the world can be solved. they think they can eliminate hate. they think giving money to a huge government is a good thing. they don't like to bother with spending their own money. I have no real appreciation for art. I do have an appreciation for food and international cuisine, so that could be considered culture. I don't force myself to do things I don't want to do so I can tell people I am cultured.
The conservative movement has been incredibly effective at demonizing the word.
I don't consider extremist revolutionaries as being "liberal", in fact it goes against many of its principles (accepting of many different thoughts, beliefs, etc). However, the right has over the years been able to somehow link those two things together. Theres also this very weird anti-intellectual movement going on as part of the culture wars...there was an interesting article I ran across today which examines how this has even manifested itself into tv commercials Not "Lovin’ It" < Columns | PopMatters
WOW. I go to science museums, and art museums because I have a extreme desire to seek knowledge.
I mean just WOW!
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