1.
the quality or state of being liberal, as in behavior or attitude.
2.
a political or social philosophy advocating the freedom of the individual, parliamentary systems of government, nonviolent modification of political, social, or economic institutions to assure unrestricted development in all spheres of human endeavor, and governmental guarantees of individual rights and civil liberties.
As a 41 year old man who has been well seasoned through life, research and study, I have come to many different conclusions. This one in particular is in reference to Caucasian Americans, and liberalism. Although they are few and far between, I have come to realize that they are much more to the right of Liberal than I had ever imagined. Before my interactions with them I was under the impression that they were empathetic to the disenfranchisement of African- Americans or even sympathetic to our odyssey here in America. But once I noticed similar traits that most have in common I realized that there are certain variables at play.
Cultural conditioning is something that is not often recognized but it is an integral part of who we are, how we think, and how we live our lives. The most ardent advocates of humanity and human rights across the board cannot not escape this phenomenon. The reality is the fact that Americans are conditioned to believe that white is superior, and anything else is inferior. Racism and prejudice are the manifestation of learned social cues, and subtle nuances. That being said, no matter how well intentioned a Caucasion Liberal may be, their conditioning will undoubtedly affect their objectivity. I was once told by a colleague that "Black people commit more crime". He was straight-faced, and stated this as fact without even batting an eye. Another colleague expressed disappointment in President Obama's first term, repeatedly lamenting over hesitantly giving him his vote. As if helping to get an African-American elected President was a gift for which Obama should never stop showing gratitude. The only way to truly empathize, sympathize, or understand the plight of another group, you must be able identify with that group. Anything else is just an exercise in political correctness for those who believe that they have to be.
There is a feeling of "white guilt" amongst some who feel sorry for those who do not have the "privilege" of being born white in America. So they try to ease their conscious by being advocates for those whom they perceive to be less fortunate in that sense, whether they realize it or not. African-American's are often the faces of poverty, and this is another factor in the emotional quagmire that some liberals find themselves in. It would be laughable if it wasn't so pathetic. In reality there are 3 poor white people for 1 poor African-American in the United States. This attitude in and of itself is racist. This is cultural conditioning at work. They may work with, or interact with people of color who lead identical lives but, their is still a perception of deep rooted superiority because they are Caucasian.
Another variable is sheer rebellion. It has been my experience that most Caucasian Liberals come from white-collar families who are either staunch conservatives or Republicans. They are often the black sheep of their families, and choose to go against the grain because they have issues with their parents. Some are determined not to reflect the personal image of disdain that they have of their parents so they shun a tradition of upward mobility to prove independence. They choose to go as far to the left of who their parents are because they do not like them. Lifestyle, political beliefs, and even religious affiliation or lack there of, all become attributes to be shed, or disavowed in order to separate themselves. But most have already been exposed to years of imagery, and propaganda. For this reason I have come to the conclusion that the Caucasian Liberal is limited because he has already been compromised prior to his "awakening". Their driving force is an ideology, often well intentioned but asleep at the wheel.
PR
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