The True Face of Modern American Liberalism: Critiques and Realities

Amid the complex socio-political landscape of the United States, the term liberal has undergone a significant transformation. What liberalism once represented is no longer the same as what many believe today. This article delves into the realities of modern liberalism, challenging the commonly held beliefs and examining its alignment with core liberal values.

Modern Liberalism in Question

Today's liberals in the United States often align themselves with policies and institutions that appear to be antithetical to traditional liberal values. These include:

The neoconservatives represented by Dick Cheney and the US national security state, which involves military dominance, proxy wars, and global bombing campaigns. A system of governance that prioritizes US hegemony and the interests of the already wealthy, as exemplified by neoliberal economic policies. A two-tiered justice system, which has been exemplified by the controversial pardons granted by Joe Biden, his son Hunter's actions at Burisma, and the general lack of accountability.

These policies and their actions suggest that the modern liberal stance may be illiberal, at least in the context of upholding the core principles of liberal democracy, such as freedom, equality, and the rule of law.

Voting and Ideology: A Closer Look

This transformation in liberal ideology is reflected in the support for policies and institutions that seem to contradict the values of traditional liberalism. For instance, many liberals endorse:

The continuation of the US's global military dominance and its role in conflicts around the world. The neoliberal economic framework that exacerbates wealth inequality. The existence of a two-tiered justice system, which has been evidenced by the controversial pardons and the lack of transparency in legal proceedings.

These behaviors suggest that a portion of the modern liberal stance is not entirely congruent with liberal values, leading to a form of illiberal liberalism.

The Misuse of Terms: Progressivism and Liberalism

The term progressive in the United States has lost its original positive connotation. It now resembles an empty slogan, devoid of any meaningful content. Historically, liberalism and progressivism were synonymous with positive change and the betterment of society, from the Gilded Age through the mid-20th century. However, today, it has lost its intrinsic meaning and appeal.

Alienation and Misunderstandings

There are significant misunderstandings regarding the political ideology of liberals and conservatives. Many liberals paint a blanket picture of conservatives as racists and bigots, failing to recognize the multitude of subclass groups who identify as conservatives. For instance, the working class, essential service providers such as farmers and educators, and those defending the country from foreign threats—these are some of the groups that are often overlooked and misunderstood by liberal populism.

The Liberal Elite Bubble

The alleged liberal elite, often seen as out-of-touch with reality, operate in a bubble of power and privilege. They wield media influence and shape public discourse without a full understanding of grassroots concerns. Some examples of these out-of-touch behaviors include:

Tolerance as a facade: Liberal support for diversity and equity can often be misinterpreted as a call for social chaos rather than genuine acceptance. Affirmative action: While the intention behind affirmative action is to promote equality, it can paradoxically become a form of discrimination against the less privileged if not carefully administered. Body positivity: The promotion of body positivity can sometimes obscure the need for healthy living, leading to support for unhealthy lifestyles and body size.

Science and Gender

Another area where modern liberalism often falls short of its ideals is in its treatment of science and gender. For instance:

Gender-uneven standards: The insistence on male athletic standards being the benchmark for all women disregards the biological differences that make such an approach inherently unfair. Transgender athletes, despite their genuine desire to compete, find themselves sidelined by these rigid standards. Genders as binary: The argument that genders cannot be in between is based on a scientifically grounded understanding of biological differences. While a gay man may be a "he," the belief that a man can transform into a woman through transgender identification is unsupported by scientific evidence and is often considered unnatural.

Conclusion

While the term liberal continues to be used in the United States, it evokes very different connotations from the historical ones of freedom and progress. The modern liberal stance often lacks the coherence and resilience that would be expected from such a term. Understanding the complexities of political ideologies in the United States is essential for fostering meaningful dialogue and for informed political engagement.