Monday, September 5, 2011

Apply Liberally

I have started to wonder how the word liberal has become a bad word, mocked in public discourse and used as an example of "what-not-to-be" amongst those on the other side of the aisle.

I am most perplexed, because by definition, liberal means:

"broad-minded; not limited to or by the established, traditional, orthodox or authoritarian attitudes, views or dogmas; open to new ideas; tolerant of the ideas and behaviors of others; and tending to give freely and generously."

That definition encompasses the very tenets by which we teach our kids to live--respect those who are different from you, make up your own mind about situations instead of letting others make it for you, be generous in helping others, etc. Since when is it okay to tell our kids to be something that we then disparage as an adult? Is this a case of "do as I say, not as I do?"

Not for me. I'll let Bryony decide for herself who she's going to be, but I will also impart the values of being generous, respectful and open-minded toward others. I think those are universal qualities to embrace, regardless of your political ideals.

And hey, if being liberal is wrong, then I don't wanna be right.

1 comment:

So Smrt said...
This comment has been removed by the author.