NationStates Jolt Archive

im interested in people's perceptions of 'liberals'
when you hear the word liberal what first springs to mind?
what characteristics would you expect a liberal individual to have, both positive and negative?
i've already started a similar thread for conservatives :)

This:

http://echosphere.net/star_trek_insp/insp_flamboyance.jpg

Are we talking here specifically about the American notion of 'liberal', as in left wing, or the classic view of liberals, as in laissez-faire?

Are we talking here specifically about the American notion of 'liberal', as in left wing, or the classic view of liberals, as in laissez-faire?

The first one.

The first one.

Then the phrase "I passionately believe in free speech and the right of people to think differently to me, and anyone who disagrees should be banned" springs to mind.

I always think of the UK liberal democrat party, who seem the most left-wing out of the three major UK political parties, by comparison to the supposedly socialist labour party

Liberals FTW.

Probably wouldn't make much difference, unless they had very extreme views. I have quite a few friends on that end of the spectrum and usually we just don't talk politics.

Probably wouldn't make much difference, unless they had very extreme views. I have quite a few friends on that end of the spectrum and usually we just don't talk politics.Pray tell, what would be "extreme views" in your opinion?

define "liberal"

define "liberal"

That's exactly what the OP is asking you to do.

when you hear the word liberal what first springs to mind?
:)

Baby Eaters

Liberal, n. - one who captures someone and has an AIDS infected autistic monkey urinate on them

I think of a person who, while being individualistic, truly uderstands the meaning of the phrase "a society is measured by how it treats the least of its members," and is disgusted by people who use the moronic phrase "pull yourself up by your 'bootstraps'."

Essentially a person who would rather compassionate and empathetic, rather than give into selfishness.

I view liberals (slightly left-wing social liberals) and leftists (socialists/communists/anarchists).

Liberals of the first variety are alright. I fit into this general political spectrum.

Leftists, on the other hand, tend to be worthy of ridicule.

'attention whore', possibly?
Depends on whether were talking about politicians or people.

'attention whore', possibly?
Depends on whether were talking about politicians or people.

What on earth...

To quote myself

I'd respect them more, as I sometimes feel lucky just to meet people with any developed political views. Apathy seems to be the dominant paradigm.

I especially like them if it's a nuanced liberalism (or a nuanced conservatism).