I agree with her that characterizing her as a left winger is unfair.
Thanks, Lazarus, for the support. I must say that I'm a bit nonplussed by the number of messages of encouragement I've received lately and I appreciate all of them.
You know, labels are a funny thing. We all use them. Categorizing is a natural and essential part of the analytical process and we use it for all kinds of things, including people. We react favorably to labels applied to us when we think that they fit us and/or when the label has a favorable connotation.
[I have a feeling that this is going to be a long post. No stopping at four paragraphs. Y'all have been warned.]
As for connotation, on SI, "lefty" is most often used as an epithet. I don't think that brees particularly meant it that way, especially since he appeared to be complimenting me in the sentence where he used the term, but in the SI environment it has a negative connotation. I think that says more about those who have corrupted the usage than about liberals.
As for its application to me, I scratch my head. If someone labeled me as Asian or mean or the life of the party, I'd scratch my head because I am none of those things and I'd wonder why they had that impression. I'm a very straight forward and candid person both here and in 3D. And I like to think that I have sufficient command of the language to convey my thoughts. It boggles my mind that I can be perceived as a lefty by anyone who is half paying attention? Reflecting on things I have said or done that may have left (edit: no pun intended) a mistaken impression...
1) Because I enjoy the company of lefties? I most certainly do that. I operate in a cosmopolitan environment. Lefties I know tend to be well schooled and well traveled with diverse interests and have open and agile minds and giving natures. What's not to like? Their politics may be a bit misguided, but lefties can make wonderful friends and companions. As can non-lefties. Normal people don't choose their companions based on politics. They choose people who are interesting or fun or loyal or convenient or who share their interest in scuba diving or have kids the same age, etc.
2) Because I'm at home around all kinds of people? I like people, in small doses, anyway. The more interesting the better. You could just talk to yourself and save time and energy rather than hang with people just like you. I'm comfortable in my own skin, I've traveled on five continents, and I don't feel the least bit threatened by people who are different from me ethnically or culturally or sexually, as long as the difference isn't harmful to others. Are we saying that anyone who is not small minded is a lefty?
3) Because I'm not religious? What makes religion a political matter is that citizens are guaranteed religious liberty. I'm a strong advocate of religious liberty and all our individual liberties. I expect the state to not abridge my religious and other liberties. That's hardly a leftie position. Just because fundamentalist Christians have congregated in the Republican party doesn't make religion or the lack of it a left-right matter. It's a question of government intrusion.
4) Because I'm not a Republican? Well I'm not a Democrat either. Or a member or proponent of any other party. I don't abide institutions that put team membership and team victory over statesmanship or that expect people to check their brains and consciences at the door. I focus on issues, not parties. My lack of political affiliation does not contribute anything to labeling me on the left-right continuum.
5) Because I think for myself and see shades of difference? Some people think, if I can use that word, in terms of black and white. You're either fer them or agin them. So anyone who takes exception to any element of any pronouncement from the right must be a lefty? Pointing out a flaw in an argument doesn't make one the enemy. There's such a thing as constructive criticism. And truth seeking. And critical thinking. And learning.
6) Because I'm pro-choice? Since when is choice and freedom from government intrusion into intensely personal matters a lefty position? Only since the Christian fundamentalists co-opted the GOP.
7) Because I'm cosmopolitan? Yes, I eat Afghan and Ethiopian and Korean food rather than meat and potatoes. No, I don't like country music. No, I wouldn't consider living too far from either coast--in the red zones, so to speak. And, no, I don't own a gun. Being cosmopolitan does, IMO, tend to make one more comfortable with the non-traditional, but it hardly makes one a leftie.
I can't think of anything else that might have caused the inattentive to come to an erroneous conclusion about my political leanings. Yesterday, I watched a bit of the hearings on the controversial proposed head of the Consumer Products Safety Commission. If it were up to me, we'd scrap the whole CPSC rather than nominate someone to head it. I reflected a bit on that and had to shake my head at the thought that anyone would call me a leftie.
I wrote this mostly as an analytical exercise for me, so if you're still reading to this point, take it for what it's worth.
Karen |
