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The many deaths of liberalism

• CM30 8y ago
  As a political idea, liberalism certainly isn't dead. It's got plenty of supporters, to the point a certain form of it may be the 'default' for certain age groups and demographics. In politics itself though, it feels like the parties and people who are supposed to represent this ideal just don't. That's the real issue, and where it may appear to be 'dead'. The left wing parties fighting for power nowadays are basically liberal in name only, and seem to think having the same economic policies as their rivals and adding it a few token social attitudes makes them 'liberal'. Which itself may be part of why liberalism is under attack so much. Because while certain social attitudes and rights have indeed gotten better, for many people it feels like the economic situation and other rights have been ignored/left to deteriate. It's great that rights for LGBT people have gotten better for example, but it would have been even better if at the same time, working conditions had improved, wages had improved, housing was more affordable, health care was more affordable (in the US), governments and companies weren't spying on people's activities, etc. That's why its critics seem to be gaining popularity, because they're promising change and a better quality of life, whereas the left wing parties aren't really doing that. Liberalism as a philosophy isn't dead, but its supposed supporters in government are liberal in name only and people are rightfully wondering where any change is coming from.
  • deleted 8y ago
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