Back in the 60s, Phil Ochs described a liberal as “10 degrees to the left of center in good times and 10 degrees to the right if it affects them personally”.
I agree that most people understand it to mean anyone left of center, but the meaning of a weak or disingenuous leftist who often sides with the enemies of the left goes back a while.
American conservatives have capitalized on denigrating the word “liberal” so thoroughly that using it in a remotely similar vein makes us ignore you immediately.
Back in the 60s, Phil Ochs described a liberal as “10 degrees to the left of center in good times and 10 degrees to the right if it affects them personally”.
I agree that most people understand it to mean anyone left of center, but the meaning of a weak or disingenuous leftist who often sides with the enemies of the left goes back a while.
American conservatives have capitalized on denigrating the word “liberal” so thoroughly that using it in a remotely similar vein makes us ignore you immediately.
Interesting. Hadn’t heard that one. (Or the sentiment)
On a side note, these days I feel like something affecting someone personally means it’s more likely to move them left - see leopards and faces.
(Unless it’s a tax or regulation, perhaps that’s what Phil was thinking of)