Political Stereotyping
73
Who are you?
You are a rigid, religious fanatic! You are fearful of change, aggressive, and not very stylish. I could list some more flattering traits about you, but you're a conservative so you'll probably pull out your shotgun and go ape on me. While you're at it, why don't you be gooder at educating yourself and work on being more cultured, you know, embrace more cultures other than your own because I loathe the traditional American way- what America was built on. I am a liberal and proud of it because I read more books than you, travel the world, and am empathetic to every living thing. I can save the world, one tree at a time.
(Disclaimer: I am not a liberal, but I am left-handed and in my right mind. My statements above are only an example of the ugliness political stereotyping represents.)
Had enough?
If that stereotyping was enough to get you reeling, think about how these stereotypes are effecting our elections, how we live our lives, how we interact, how we deal with social issues. People voted for Obama because they wanted change, not just a political change. Who wasn't tired of the same old white-haired, pinch-faced, uber-conservative man running for president. Obama was fresh and different. The fact that people would vote based on their political stereotypes is something of a concern.
The government would rather us fight among each other (political parties) than bug the "natural" order of criminal behavior that nearly all of congress has succumbed to. The biggest divide ever between liberals and conservatives- or Democrats and Republicans, is reflective of the situation in our government, and vice versa.
Do I look like Rush Limbaugh or Hitler?
For those of you who did a double take at my picture, get yourself some glasses Sherlock. I'm no Hitler...or Rush- nope, not him either even on my worst hair day. However, according to some educated liberals, I might as well be. More on that later...
Science has been diving into the area of political differences, studying us- how our biology and everyday lives are effected by self-proclaimed titles of either liberal or conservative. The results are ugly. When I used to assist with studies at my local University, this kind of bias I'm reading about in these political studies shouldn't have made it past someones over-caffeinated college study group.
But recently, I picked up a popular science magazine at my local coffee shop and proceeded to read an article about 'your true self', dedicated mostly to a study conducted by a Professor and researcher, Dana Carney. In this study, the same old negative list of traits were assigned to conservatives: minimal change/rigid, authoritarian, less educated, aggressive, fearful, less worldly, etc. On the flip side, liberals were found to own more books and CD's. Anyway, books and CD's are popping out of every corner in my house. What would that prove anyway, one can't clean their gun and read books or listen to CD's at the same time?
On politics and personality, these politcal studies have it all wrong. I just took a personality test and it came up as being empathetic/nurturer and introspective, as well as biologically prone to autoimmune illnesses. Well, that's me and I've got the illness to prove it. Yet political personality studies consistently state that liberals possess those same traits, not conservatives. Since I am politically more conservative, these studies (by liberals...probably) are very rigid in nature, applying such rigid stereotypes with weak science, but rigid isn't a liberal trait. Now I'm confused.
I'm not just talking sh*t
The truth is political stereotyping studies have been going on for decades. An excellent example comes from a 1950's study, in which right-wing types were identified as "rigid, conventional, intolerant, and obedient." (Left-wingers were assigned much more favorable adjectives like flexible, sympathetic, and curious).
According to another study (Frank Sulloway, University of California, Berkeley), "conservatives share a resistance to change and acceptance of inequality. Hitler, Mussolini, and former President Ronald Reagan were individuals, but all were right-wing conservatives because they preached a return to an idealized past."
Preaching a return to the past.? If conservatives are so hung up on the past why did the liberal researchers conducting this study bring up the past with examples such as Hitler and Reagan? Here's a current example: Rush Limbaugh. He sometimes scares me as much as Hitler, yet I'm being compared to them simply because of my political affiliation.
The researchers involved in the study proclaimed, "This research marks the first synthesis of a vast amount of information about conservatism, and the result is an elegant and unifying explanation for political conservatism under the rubric of motivated social cognition."
"Elegant". Yes, there's nothing more elegant than stereotyping and being proud of it. I guess I'm an under-educated conservative because what the f*ck is 'synthesis of rubric motivation' or whatever? All I have to say to them is congrats on scoring the medical marijuana while simultaneously making me feel like an idiot because they lost me about three words into that statement.
Should I go read the Bible or clean my gun?
Where do we go from here? Aren't we all tired of the nonsense? I believe both conservatives and liberals are in the mood for some changes. The difference perhaps lies in conservatives wanting to approach change as to what worked in the past and liberals want to try a smorgasbord of options until something feels right (OK that was a little bit of a dig, but you get it). Obama may be a Democrat, but it's self-serving politics as usual and the White House has seen it's fair share of "criminals" in congress over the years, regardless of the party.
For the sake of doing what's best for the country as a whole, it's wise to avoid falsely labeling those with opposing views. There will always be groups of people who lend their personas to the stereotypes, and we can choose to focus on them, but if we don't try to avoid this ugly side of political stereotyping, we can't expect our nation to change at all or progress to anyone's ideal.
Here's a personal point of view- take it or leave it because it may be reflective of my conservative views. I think people are spending too much time trying to be politically correct to actually correct things that matter most. Perhaps less focus on our verbiage would lead to more action.
Suggested Reading
- http://hubpages.com/hub/I-Want-You-and-you-and-you-and
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thanks for the comment rachell!
Laura, this was really well done, voted awesome and up. You nailed it when you said keeping us fighting each other diverts our attention from what is really taking place. Many would be shocked if they put away their hate hats for awhile, and took a look around. Just because something was proposed by a "D" or an "R" doesn't mean it is good, or bad, or the best thing for America. But that is the way it is handled.
Destroying America is exactly what is happening.
Both Democrats and Republicans have had a hand in that.
Each side claims to be different from the other.Even if that were true the fact is each side seems to be doing all they can for themselves while fending off their detractors.Usually those who voted them into office from their own party as well as the other party.
You just went up a couple dozen notches by my measure. I'm really impressed with your cool reasoning.
Voted up and very awesome.
Great hub, I like a lot of things you said here, but you know democrats and republicans work well together every day, just not the ones in Washington! I too am tired of the blame game and stereo typing. The only thing those guys in Washington have in common is they are all millionaires, and have lost touch with the general public.
Thanks Old Poolman. Yes, the labels are too often confused with or associated with certain issues and I wish there was more separation. More would get done.
WillStarr~ What a nice comment. I'll take it because I might not have some nice ones later. Thanks for reading.
someonewhoknows~ your last paragraph in your comment is exactly my sentiments. THanks for stopping by.
phillip goodson~ I agree with your statement aboutrepubs and dems not working well in Washington. So true. Politics have taken over, everything is dependent on the next election and what they can do to get elected- satisfying their own agenda at every angle on every issue.
A really good hub. Are the Americans who are destroying this nation really truly Americans or are they part of a movement created by government conspiracy? Food for thought. America, a self serving, too proud, redneck country with many issues. Mainly debt to pass on to the next generation. God Bless America Oh and clean the gun while reading Proverbs
Great piece of writing. All this blame, stereotyping and name-calling is really getting old and really what does it accomplish? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Voted up and awesome.
Now that was worth reading and had me going every which way with my mind. Having been a Tea Party member since its inception, I read often how I'm supposedly a racist, which I'm not.
Having carried a rifle for 23 years, I don't own a gun now. I can kill you with my bear hands. ROTFLMAO. Then I heard about 912 from liberals who weren't there until I became sick of it. Why? Because I was there and saw the disciplined crowd of professionals and the signs that were carried about too much government in our lives. They cried because Obama was depicted as "The Joker" even though the joke is now on us. Then in Wisconsin the signs depicted Governor Walker as Hitler. That must be a small oversight on a liberals part.
At 912 did we storm the Capitol building beating our bongos and chanting our chants? Hardly. Did we climbed through the windows to gain entry? Nope. Obama recently lectured us about civil discourse and then left immediately turned around and became about as uncivil as it gets. I had flash backs to my youth and the the late 60's and early 70's.
Good article and in fact, I found it awesome! Keep up the fight!
The Frog
I loved that! voted up!
simply wonderfull! every word seemed a common sence manifesto for all us conservatives out there who are not willing to drink the kool-aid/tea,... and nearly embarassed to put the R next to our names at times,... you've done well here!
I agree with stclair...just plain common sense for the logical thinking world.
Excellent hub, with great points.
:)
L,
You know I hate sterotypes. Those sterotypers just haven't met dad! Once again we show our twinship politically, and personally, this is one of my favorite pieces by you sis.
jim
We are either part of the problem or we are part of the solution.Name calling doesn't advance any cause. Issues are needing to be dealt with while those on either side of them spout rhetoric that divides rather than unites. I have never felt this deep a divide in my 48 years of existence. We are more polarized on the issues at hand today than at any other time of my life. Why?... because we aren't so much addressing issues and coming up with solutions as we are calling those who disagree with us names. Our president calls for the nation to tone down the rhetoric and the next day engages in it. There is a leadership void that needs filling. We need someone who will inspire us. Someone who can bring us together. Someone who speaks truth and lives by it. I fear we are not in a ditch as our president says, I fear we are flying over a cliff. The media fuels the fires of discontent and the sheep begin to panic. We fear them, they fear us and still there is no powerful voice of reason to unite us in purpose. You did a wonderful job in bringing to light the need to stop the name calling and begin the process of healing the wounds. I applaud you.
Thanks for sharing your insight!
The danger of sterotypes is how much some very educated people believe them.
thanks veronicanotes.
dahoglund~ you've got a good point there. Having stereotypes and lesser opinions about others can give someone the illusion of superior intelligence. Thanks for stopping by.
themanwithnopants~ good to see you. You got me thinking about politics again this last week or so.
Fred Allen~ So many of your statements are wonderful, especially "there is a leadership void that needs filling". THanks for the comment.
Artin2010~ self-srving is right. debt, oh yes! You're right on in your comment and thanks for reading.
Beakfast pop~ Always good to see you. I enjoy reading your hubs so much. I've just thought lately that the focus is on the separateness of the two groups and the issues, but nothing focuses on fixes, even compromises.
the frog prince~ thanks for the comment. Reading your hub the other day inspired my own take on what's bugging me lately about politics. I respect your opinion and thanks for the enouragement.
American Romance~ thanks for such a nice comment!
stclairjack~ common sense manifesto- great words and a great comment. thanks.
cmerritt~ THanks for stopping by and the nice comment. I wish it was common sense but for many it's not. I was just shocked to read just blatant stereotyping "scientific" studies. They wouldn't get away with that stereotyping if it were...take your pick of any other groups of people.
Nice hub... Izetti... and hey a beautiful woman indeed... we are not as far apart as when the country went to war... in 1860... and we do need to stand up and say we are both liberal and conservation... I am liberal when it comes to ldeas... and conservative when it comes to protecting my family and country... we need liberals to move business into better treatment for individuals... and conservatives to keep that from getting to far out of hand... this is a great seem of gov't... we have just let the guys get away with way to much... it will correct itself if you and I individually decide to watch and vote... I love America.. damn good idea... what most of us don't realize is that the politicians actually see how much money is coming in... myself I would rather tel the truth and say they are gonna waste billions because they tink it's a good idea... and as we learn more about how this works maybe we'll vote for those guys... the fact is even with all the money that they've spent this year... and as much as we all need more work or we are in deep yogurt... if we elect the guys who will cut real spending to 2%... we will balance the budget by 2020... it's true... now lets just talk to one another... cause it can get worse... read around 1858... now that was hate going on... yeah on both sides...
Jeanine~ I think our hate has become more "evolved" and "civilized" than 1860,or at least that's what the haters would like everyone to believe. Hate is hate. Is it the government/congress the problem or is it the people- it's a mix for sure. I really think the younger generations are getting educated about their voting options and what and who we have to vote for aren't always the best either.
I am also with you, Concerning my family and my country I am conservative for sure.
My husband works for the gorvernment (social security office) and he won't get a raise for 2 years due to "No inflation". I thought Obama was Democrat and they didn't believe in helping big business to let it trickle down to us small folks, but he did it. No inflation, as he says, is ridiculous- cost of food and gas has gone up and will continue to faster than our employment rate. There is always inflation, just with health insurance premiums alone. OK enough of that...
Anyway, I appreciate your input here and am amazed at all your insight in such a variety of topics.
I love stereotypes. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and not let it bother you.
I'm a southern male with some conservative views. I'm actually more libertarian then anything, but I'm southern and somewhat conservative, so that is all some people need to know.
Stereotypes bugged me for years. People have called me white trash with guns (that I have never owned, go figure). One person even told me that Georgia is full of poor rednecks that work on farms, lol.
The thing is, I come from a very proud family history of kings and army generals (among them, George washington, the leader of the confederacy, and Thomas stonewall jackson). My grandfather was college educated during the great recession, was (apparantly, from what we know) a us agent of some sort, built bomber jets in the plant that became lockheed Martin during world war 2, and got in bar fights in his 70s. My dad was a certified genius who worked on all types of computers for seimens engineering, as one of lead managers. My grandfather had my mom when he was in his 50/, my mom had me at 38. We don't take shit, so it's hard to walk from stupidity.
I myself am supposedly smarter then my dad, and a computer and physics wizard. I also go to the gym 2-3 times a day, and I have the same amount of tolerance as my grandfather did for dumbasses. With that said sometimes you gotta let things be.
If a person is an online forum troll, as hard as it is, let them be. The same people that pissed me off are still saying their shit all day long on the same forums years later. I have in fact checked it out. These people are emotionally charged fools without any form of intelligence, and they sprout off nonsense they hear from others. They will never amount to anything.
To automatically judge entire groups of people is to ignore science. Anyone can be smart, anyone can be stupid, your own views or where you were born at mean nothing. When a person ignores this simple science it says more about them then it will ever say about you.
With all of this said, if you know a person in real life who does this, that's even better. Usually they are emotionally charged fools without the capacity for rational thought. Let them think what they want, because then it makes it easier to show everyone else how stupid they are... :D
Thx Izetti... we were advisers to kings and queens all of the world... I am lucky, I can remember... but you are very kind to say it...
Great hub - voted up!
After some contemplation on your topic - the definition of liberal and conservative I've come to the conclusion that I'm fed up with liberals and conseratives.They both feed at the trough of porkbarrel spending they just go about it differently.The liberals don't care where the money comes from just as long as it keeps comming and the conservatives only care about where the money is comming from as long as it's not from them personnally.Either way the money would have to come from the people.The liberals are seen as mostly less able to pay for the porkbarrel spending while the conservatives are mostly seen as those who can but are unwilling to.The only difference is who has and who hasn't more money.When you consider that so-called libers can be as conservative as the so - called conservatives.They both want more.It's just a matter of where the money comes from.
someonewhoknows~ very fair assessment on the topic. I think you're right. That's also a good point about no matter what president we get, there will be no change to that mentality you explained. I don't see much of a difference either in between repubs and dems in office- same ol'... Thanks for coming back and giving such an accurate description of the system- it's all true what your said.
Cari Jean~ thanks for the vote up and stopping by to read.
Zellio~ Wonderful comment. I love what you said about anyone can be smart or stupid or come from a variety of backgrounds but it doesn't mean much, it's only fuel for the "dumbasses". I agree 100%. I've joined a non-partisan political group called "Housefire Project" by another hubber "themanwithnopants". It's a action oriented group for anybody rather than people sitting around accusing each other of being liberal or conservative as if either should be an insult. It shouldn't be that way when the real perpetrators are those in the white house year after year- regardless of which party.
Yeow! I love it when you write like this! I really dont have a comment, you said enough for me, just wanted ya to know I stopped by :)
Dave Price~ I'm passionate about some things- this topic being one of them. I really appreciate you stopping by and reading. I love the expression (yeow!)in your comment- thank you!!
Say what do you want? Most conservatives do not believe in a woman's right to choose, but do believe in TAX CUTS for the wealthiest. They do believe in the importance of the right to bear fire arms but do not believe in equal rights for people that call themselves Gay. They do think Big Government is a horror story but Big Business deserves an apology when they spill oil in the Gulf. They do believe it is OK to throw tax breaks to corporations and expect spending cuts for programs benefiting the middle class to pay for it. That isn't how I define conservatives, that is how they define themselves. In Wyoming some conservatives really seem to believe the government should stay out of your business and this includes the right to choose abortion and the right to be Gay. So they are a noted exception. But if you simply take what most conservatives claim they want, then you have a pro life, pro gun, anti gay, anti tax person. Conservatives have defined themselves with these things, not me.
And by your own definition the tea party are 'tea baggers'. That's all anyone needs to know about you Terry.
A person whose latest hub is 'tea batters, dark ages here we come' only comes to an opposing political argument to start a fight. Nobody who generalizes a large political group cares about discussions.
And if you were making a discussion, why not start by explaining why a person who calls themselves 'tolerant' feels the need to constantly bash an entire political group?
I doubt that would get a response though.
Try your best to ignore the troll.
Terry~ Well thank you for the political stereotyping lesson. You also mentioned that not all conservatives are like this and that also proves what I'm stating in this hub. THat we can't go off poltical stereotyping alone. We also miss out on something important if we don't listen to others, no matter their political affiliation. The only thing I have in general against liberal views is they want to help and please everyone all of the time. You can't please everyone all of the time and minority groups won't be represented equally because they are in the minority. I'm not even sure but I think women are not in the minority (total numbers) yet we still make far less money than men because in the work force they are the majority.
I can tell in your written tone that you put up your defense, possibly because I stated I have more conservative political views- politcally, yes. But life issues, in my opinion, are separate. Life issues such as choice- I'm for it. In my opinion that shouldn't relaly be a political issue. Taxes? Taxes or not, Obama helped out big business and is only hurting the average American right now. Obama hasn't recognized cost of living inreases 2+ years for retired, federal employees, social security,etc. Yet cost of living always goes up- gas, food, health insurance premiums. These are where less wealthy Americans need a break. My point is whether liberal or conservative, the same issues and bad political business is happening in the white house.
Stereotype Example: Conservatives are brain dead. This is not something conservatives claim about themselves. Perhaps I know some who I think are brain dead and I generalize. That is stereotyping.
But when Conservatives and Liberals announce their beliefs, even write hubs about their belief system, then to say Liberals believe this is not stereotyping. Hence if I say I am a Liberal you can pretty much figure what side of most issues I believe. That is not stereotyping.
I am happy to see we agree on "LESS WEALTHY AMERICANS NEED A BREAK". Amen And thank heaven, you do not look like the big FAT arm waving clown RUSH.
And I will ignore Jellio except for this, I never claimed to be tolerant. I pretty much despise most conservatives because they claim to want less intrusive government then tell that government the IRS may investigate women that choose an abortion. That's right it is in H B 3 and sponsored by conservative Republicans.
They want to be sure women that have insurance that covers abortions do not claim that insurance cost on their taxes. That is the LESS INTRUSIVE government they want JELLIO.
I wrote examples about the stereotypes in my hub so I know about stereotypes, but I'm what I'm talking about is stereotypes about our lives, our personal lives, our personalities based on our political affiliation and this just isn't true. No matter what I support, I do not own a gun, I have tons of CD's and music (that's supposed to be a liberal thing), I am generous and many conservative christians give plenty to charities and missions that help people in other countries. So by now you understand I'm not talking about the typical assumptions based on political beliefs, but the assumptions that this carries over into all our personal lives. If one lived in my life for a day they'd probably think I was liberal. I'm just saying we can't judge people on everything else based on whether they are conservative or liberal. Not all conservatives live like Sarah Palin. I am strongly for choice, by the way and I've never liked that repubs are against that. For me, I don't like the extremists- either conservative or liberal.
Overall, thanks for the discussion.
Sis,
Where do you get these guys? I can't get a liberal to come within five miles of my political hubs these days.
TERRY, I'm an intelligetnt conservative. Let me explain. Take a woman's right to choose. I don't believe abortion is a good thing in most cases, therefor I guess you could say I'm against abortion. No, let me try this again. I AM against abortion as a whole. What makes me smart Terry, is that I know the difference something that makes me feel good or bad and what the constitution allows.
There is a difference between what conservatism has become, and what conservatism was intended to be. There is a difference between what liberalism has become, and what it was intended to be. Our leadership on both sides is bought and paid for by big corperations, unions, and special interest groups. Terry, I'm talking democrats AND republicans. Obama's campaign costs topped one billion dollars, with "Honest John" not far behind.
Come on man, let's quit taking up for these jerks. I'm a so called conservative, but I openly call out my own guys too. I've started a political group called "The Housefire Project." http://housefireproject.com/ I'll use this oppertunity to pimp my cause. Hell yea! We're not taking donations yet, but we're gathering a great base of members. We're a very young organization, and I think you'll find it unique. we have some cool liberals in that base too. If you can live with our motto, "Strength In Numbers and Power Through Prayer," you might find a home.
To sum it up; Always be polite to my sister when you disagree her, and remember this; Capitol Hill is playing us for fools. They've got the American people getting all doped up on Fox News and CNN, once they've had enough to get stupid, the right and left get totally focused on beating each other stupid like a couple of drunks, while our fantastic leaders are busy picking our pockets and collectively flushing this country down the toilet. Be a part of the solution, not the problem bro.
jim
Jim~ they just don't know me yet... lol.
You stand politically exactly where I'm at, but all that aside, you bring up great points I hope Terry will consider. As soon as people realize it's not liberals against conservatives, it's people against this corrupt government that's sprouted up over the last several years. THe sad things is the majority is US (libs and conservatives) and the minority is the elite groups, businesses, and people that buy off our politicians. THere isn't even that many of them so why wouldn't we think we have a chance if we all get together? Go Housefire Project! My only complaint is why didn't you think of this 10 years ago Jim!
You guys will remain conservative. I will remain Liberal. But I will comment on some things presented.
Abortion: whatever I believe is right or wrong, whatever you believe is right or wrong, is not the issue. It is not my call, or your call, or the government's call to tell women what to do. I DO THINK conservatives that refrain from telling others what to do on Social issues are TRUE conservatives and I respect them.
Agree - our democracy, on both sides is sponsored by corporations. But the KOCH brothers are one of the PRIMARY sponsors of the TEA Party and it is the new conservative Governors giving Tax breaks to corporations and doing away with benefits to middle class to pay for it.
Don't believe in Prayer and could not join any organization that did.
You seem like good people. Best wishes.
Ahh .. The Tea Party. Okay, I deserved that I guess. Let me say for the record, "I wish the Tea Party did it for me. It'd be a whole lot easier to join that than to start my own. You have no idea how much work this is." (laughing) You seem like a pretty good dude too Terry. I believe in prayer, even when we can't see it working, but that has nothing to do with my organization other than the fact that it is hopefully covered by prayer. If I wanted to push the Christian agenda, I'd start a religious non profit. This is about staying away from our ideologies without giving them up. It's about putting these things to the side long enough to stand together against non effective and corrupt leadership. We can argue about trees, baby seals, and that stuff later. Right now, we've got an economy on the brink of collapse along with our infrastructure, and brother we've got to get busy.
Liberals and conservatives will continue to hate each other, but it doesn't have to be that way for all of us. We don't need your ideologies any more than you need ours, but we could use some of your brains and passion my friend.
jim
Thanks Jim. If I change my mind I will look you up.
What in the world made you call me Jellio lol?
And how do you come to the idea that the tea party is bought and paid for or even influenced by the Koch brothers? The tea party is a non centralized 'organization'. It's more or less like 4 chans anonymous group. Anybody who hates big government can just call themselves part of it. It's more of a political mindset and less of a political group.
If these tea party republicans who were put in charge turn to their old ways you will see the tea party vote liberal next round. And suddenly the news will like the tea party.
Most people I know who call themselves members of the Tea Party are liberatarians like me who think Obama is Bush 2. And you can follow the money trail, as Obama is simply trying to outspend Bush.
Jim~ "It's about putting these things to the side long enough to stand together against non effective and corrupt leadership. We can argue about trees, baby seals, and that stuff later." Love this! Great comment.
Terry H~ I don't believe any extreme lefties or rightwings are going to get together to do anything- most of them are already running the country and see how that's turning out. I know more about psychology than politics so grant me this: if you just want to be right then nothing will get solved. Think of when you argue with someone and you are only trying to be right about your points- unless you listen and find some common ground with the other person, more damage done than good. I bet liberals and conservatives can both agree the leadership and politics need a change- issues aside. I do have a problem with the liberals who thought it was offensive that Obama didn't have to produce a birth certificate. Liberals made that an issue of race, etc. but I used to do hiring for a company and Obama got "hired" easier than people I hired for basic manufacturing positions. That is part of the issue with corrupt leadership. We need to expect more from our leaders.
You say " But the KOCH brothers are one of the PRIMARY sponsors of the TEA Party and it is the new conservative Governors giving Tax breaks to corporations and doing away with benefits to middle class to pay for it." Yep, Obama's made some deals with the devil too. He's got some good ol' boys. They all do and it needs to stop. It won't stop if we get all flustered about asking for someone's background and birth certificate. You can't be a pushover during elections and be biting pit bulls on political forums. Take that back bone to the elections.
Zellio~ or Jellio- which do you prefer? lol. Well one thing for sure is you got Obama pegged. I'm not seeing the change or the hope. I'm seeing some repeats of the last several years. At this point I'm not sure who the tea party is affiliated with. The news is totally blowing things out of proportion and warping things. People think the tea party is extreme, they need to live where I do near Portland, OR. Portland is an extremely liberal city with some crazy things going on. I might be conservative just for the fact that I live around a lot of extreme liberals and it's left a bad taste in my mouth.
Nicely done. I am definitely a right of center type of person myself. But according to quite a few libs, I am a homophobic ,racist, gun toting Nazi who also encourages the use of styrofoam and hates the planet. Both sides of the equation have been trying to marginalize each other forever. I crack up every time the Tea Party gets assigned violent and racist and then I point out that they have never been teargassed but plenty of Lib demonstrations have. Look what happened in London this last weekend. But Izetti you are right there is an Ideological war going on in America for awhile now. I wrote a hub aout it last year. And it seems Madison Wisconsin was the first battleground. I myself am sticking to my conservative tenets because the alternative goes against my entire belief system. Rated up !
tony0724~ yes, I get tired of the same. Tired of people bringing the stereotypes into my personal life. I may stand for or against certain issues but in no way does that mean my personality and personal life strongly suggests my political affiliation. Silliness!
London is a great example. I'll have to check out some of your hubs- thanks for stopping by.
Excellent hub!
I personally don't believe that we are any better off as a country with the recent election. I am conservative to the very heart. I believe in less government. The sterotypes really have to stop between parties. I don't believe that George Washington and the continental congress were real concerned about who had an R after their last name or who had a D. I really think the political party affiliation needs to come to end in America. This is just my two cents I rated your hub up and useful.
independentwriter~ Thanks for the comment and a very good one at that. Can't say I have anything to add because I totally agree.
Great article:-)
thebigbagblog~ thank you so much for stopping by.
To izetti: Great hub. I read the article about conservatives having so-called lower IQs on the Huffington Post. Well, conservatives just like liberals came in all spectrums. There is no such thing as a monolithic conservative type like there are no such thing as a liberal monolith. All of us are different in our analysis and perspectives on life. In the end, we all are one!
Great Hub!
I’m a Democrat but I am not a “Liberal.” I have conservative values but I am not a “Conservative.” I usually vote Democratic but that’s not to say that I would NEVER vote for a Republican. First and foremost, I am an American so I would always vote on what’s best for “my” country and I wouldn’t demonize anyone if they disagreed with my ideas or the way I voted. However, this current group of Republicans / Conservatives seem to do just that, it’s either their way or…you’re un-American…or you’re a Socialist. Their only agenda seems to be making Obama a one term President. They don’t seem to be able to have an honest dialog about what’s good for the country. It seems that if a policy makes Obama look good, it must be bad, even if that policy is good for the country. I don’t believe Ronald Regan would “fit in” with this “current” group of republican / conservatives. I will vote for Obama in 2012. I believe he is doing a great job despite what he inherited. He seems to be able to “compromise”, a bad word to some but a needed skill for effective leadership. Unfortunately stereotyping (political or otherwise) isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Keep writing great hubs…I’ll keep following.
THanks gmwilliams!
great hub, really shows the unnecessary stereotyping against conservatives. Voted up!
THanks Bob!
rachellrobinson Level 4 Commenter 14 months ago
this was really awesome. Thank you for sharing. Rachel