The "elitist liberal" meme has really got me down lately. Now I'm seeing it popping up in kos
diaries.
This has to stop. This is a prime example of what George Lakoff talks about -- using Republican frames to talk about issues. They use this phrase to demonize progressives and progressive policy.
Am I elitist because I believe in the separation of Church and State? Because I believe this is not just about protecting the State from religion, but protecting religion from the State? Because I believe that every American has the right to worship as they see fit, even if that means not worshiping at all?
Am I elitist because I think abortions should be safe, legal, and rare?
Am I elitist because I believe no man or woman should be discriminated against due to their race, gender, or sexual orientation?
Am I elitist because I believe in science? Because I believe that science can help us cure diseases or help us develop cleaner and better forms of energy? Because science can help us remove our dependence on foreign oil and natural gas?
Am I elitist because I think the free market sometimes rewards wealth over work, when it should be the other way around?
The conservative movement has been pushing on us for thirty years -- that liberals are elitist, snobbish urbanites who have no connection with the people. They have been so effective that people who aren't in the conservative movement use this language unconsciously.
I reject this idea. We are all part of the people. We live our lives; have our own struggles and demons to face, our own hardships and joy.
I just have my own political views. That's all. People can disagree or agree with these views.
I'm a regular person, living my life.
So particularly around these parts, I think we need to stop throwing the term "elitist" around. It is damaging, and I feel personally insulted by it.