Paul & Nadine, I see the truth in that observation, that some lack the self awareness to articulate their positions well, but I likewise have observed many who simply don't think critically and see the strengths & weaknesses of their positions.... meaning they choose a viewpoint, sometimes due to family upbringing or class level, or perhaps in alliance with one or two issues, and they have difficulty defending their conservative/liberal positions on issues that are irrelevant to them, so they resort to belittling the other.
I tend to think most of us are more complex. I find myself liberal on some issues, radical on a few, conservative on some, and indifferent on some, as well. I feel no compulsion to defend all issues of liberalism because I have a few issues where I agree with the liberal view, and I reject the herd mentality that requires one to do so, to be a 'card-carrying' this or that.
Though Molly comes across as a flaming liberal, I recognize that she has populist roots, with a pedigree earned at Smith, so she's been fully exposed to poverty, wealth, privilege, etc, yet chooses to speak from the populist side at a very human level instead of trying to prove her 'eruditeness' by using 6 vowel words that gave Noah Webster nightmares, as some pundits are wont to do.
I keep hoping there'll be a Point/Counterpoint program with her and P.J. O'Rourke representing left & right, because both are sharp, effective, witty and don't talk down to people.
Buying into an ideology is like any other purchase. Some do it cause it's the in thing at the moment. Some shop carefully and are well-informed consumers. Out of the latter come the best conversationalists, on either side. |
