this post was submitted on 29 Jan 2024
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Why is "the ruling class" in quotes? How can you deny the utter control of American oligarchs over our society? Do you deny that billionaires have seized control of this country, with assistance at times from foreign adversarial governments?
Regardless, the confusion around the terms "liberal" and "neoliberal" in the American political lexicon can be traced through several key historical and ideological shifts.
Initially, "liberalism" in the U.S. was closely aligned with classical liberalism, a philosophy advocating for limited government, free markets, and individual liberties. This form of liberalism shares more in common with what many would consider right-wing or libertarian ideologies today.
However, during the 20th century, especially under the influence of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his New Deal policies, liberalism in the U.S. began to take on a different meaning. It became associated with a more interventionist government that sought to address economic inequality and provide a social safety net. This shift was in response to the Great Depression and was aimed at stabilizing and reforming the economy. FDR's approach was characterized by large-scale government programs and regulations, which were quite different from the laissez-faire attitude of classical liberalism.
This transformation of liberalism in the American context led to a situation where the term came to be associated with the left-leaning politics of the Democratic Party, especially those advocating for social justice, environmental protection, and government intervention in the economy to promote equality and public welfare.
"Neoliberalism," on the other hand, emerged as a distinct term in the latter half of the 20th century. It marked a return to some of the core principles of classical liberalism, particularly the emphasis on free markets, deregulation, privatization, and a reduction in government spending on social services. Notably, neoliberalism became prominent in the 1980s under the leadership of figures like Ronald Reagan in the U.S. and Margaret Thatcher in the U.K. Despite its "liberal" nomenclature, neoliberalism is generally considered right-wing, especially in its economic policies.
The public's confusion likely stems from these historical shifts. The term "liberal" has been used to describe both left-wing social democracy (as in the New Deal) and right-wing economic policies (as in neoliberalism). This duality reflects the changing political landscape in the U.S., where terms evolve and take on new meanings based on prevailing political and economic ideologies.
The media and political discourse have played significant roles in shaping public perception of these terms. For instance, conservative media often uses "liberal" to describe left-wing politics, further entrenching this redefined meaning in the public consciousness. Similarly, neoliberal policies, while economically right-wing, have often been implemented by politicians who are liberal in their social policies, adding to the confusion.
In summary, the American public's misunderstanding of "liberal" and "neoliberal" as right-wing ideologies is rooted in the historical evolution of these terms, influenced by major political figures and movements, and shaped by media representation and public discourse.
Further, the media and political discourse have played crucial roles in shaping public perception of the terms "liberal" and "neoliberal" in American politics.
Media Framing and Representation:
Political Rhetoric and Strategy:
Shifts in Public Understanding:
Role of Education and Political Awareness:
In summary, media representation and political rhetoric have significantly influenced the American public's understanding of "liberal" and "neoliberal." These terms have been shaped, redefined, and sometimes conflated in public discourse, reflecting broader changes in political ideologies, media practices, and public awareness.
American economic and political elites have benefited from and contributed to the confusion surrounding "liberal" and "neoliberal" in several ways:
Blurring Economic Policies:
Political Maneuvering:
Media Influence:
Economic Benefits:
Maintaining Status Quo:
In summary, American economic and political elites have both benefited from and encouraged the confusion between liberalism and neoliberalism. This confusion aids in implementing and maintaining policies that serve their interests, while simultaneously appealing to broader public values of progressivism and social justice