The Flaws and Challenges of Contemporary Liberalism
It seems to me that many individuals confuse liberalism with neoliberalism. There is hardly any comparison and very few commonalities between the two. If one adheres to the "bootstrapping" philosophy, also known as the "law of the urban jungle," then they are welcome to follow their interests. However, if one possesses the capacity to empathize with individuals who may differ in appearance, worship, or love, they are a liberal, and I believe they are much more well-rounded and grounded human beings.
The Challenge of Empathy and Oppression
The essence of liberalism is to fight against oppression. Any piece of liberty we liberals strive for – whether it is the fight for transgender individuals to be true to themselves, the recent battle for LGBT people to marry whom they wish, the ongoing fight for women’s bodily autonomy, the struggle for full citizenship for Black Americans, or the persistent fight for freedom of religion and the right to elect our government – can be misused by nefarious actors to reinstate old oppressions or create new ones.
There is no winning in the fight for true human liberty. It is a constant, perpetual struggle. This continuous and unwinnable fight is liberalism's sole flaw. Liberals cannot afford to rest, as oppression never sleeps and can arise at any moment. This is the very essence of liberalism's challenge.
The Overreach of Liberal Advocacy
There are instances where liberals believe they have absolute rights that supersede others. For example, the issue of abortion has sparked significant controversy. Liberals argue that a woman’s right to choose should prevail, even if it conflicts with other state laws. This assertion is often met with resistance, as some states mandate restrictions on abortion, directly challenging liberalism's stance.
Those who promote extreme liberalism often present themselves as the sole authority, dictating terms and conditions upon all others. There is a belief that they own America, and by extension, all Americans, rendering others as their subordinates. This is not a humorous claim; it reflects a deep-seated belief within some liberal circles that they are the ultimate rulers and that compliance is non-negotiable. The notion that they have the right to impose their will on all states, claiming that a woman’s rights override all state laws, is a clear example of this mindset.
The Divide Within the Liberal Movement
The main flaw of the liberal movement, at least within the American context, is the newfound overtaken by the fascist, totalitarian "woke" progressives. The Democratic Party, traditionally a holistic platform, now finds itself torn. On one side, there are those who advocate for traditional progressive ideals, while on the other, there are the new flexing of totalitarian powers. This shift has led to a divide within the liberal movement, with many moderates and traditional liberals feeling alienated and disenchanted with the new direction.
The struggle for true human liberty is an unending battle. Liberals must continue to fight for their ideals, but they must also be mindful of the potential for misuse. The challenge for liberalism is not only to win these battles but to do so in a way that respects and protects the rights of all individuals. This constant vigilance and ongoing discourse are essential to maintaining the integrity of the liberal ideals.