when I was reading 1984 a few years back it occurred to to me that the main character is trapped in his own hell. he tells you how he is dependent on big brother for everything, even his opinion. But his temptation and love and freedom cause his downfall. His handler even knows he will one day fall into the snare. And when they break him, they do so with simple lies that he is forced to believe, because its all that he has left.
But its not big government that is keeping him trapped. He could leave his life and become a prole but his fear is too great. And he returns to the party even when he knows its his doom.
The conservatives are trapped in this same hell cycle. Brought on by themselves. And they fear that leaving the party so much so that they will harm anyone else who tires.
You say this as if liberals aren’t caught in the same trap.
Just because conservatives are rotted doesn’t mean they’re the only ones
Not much critical thinking goes on in the United States, regardless of party. Which prevents the development of any understanding of material conditions or structural oppression
The definition of neoliberalism:
"Neoliberalism is an economic and political ideology that emphasizes the value of free market capitalism, minimal state intervention in the economy, and the importance of individual entrepreneurial freedoms. Central to neoliberalism is the belief that open markets, free trade, and the unrestricted flow of capital are the best means to achieve economic growth and societal prosperity.
Historically, neoliberalism gained prominence in the late 20th century, particularly under the leadership of figures like Margaret Thatcher in the UK and Ronald Reagan in the US. This period marked a significant shift from Keynesian economics, which advocated for stronger government intervention in the economy, to a model favoring deregulation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and a reduced role for government in social welfare.
The impact of neoliberalism has been global, influencing economic policies across various countries. It led to the liberalization of international trade and finance, the proliferation of free trade agreements, and the globalization of economic activities. However, it has also been critiqued for increasing income inequality, contributing to social disparities, and exacerbating environmental degradation due to its focus on economic growth and efficiency over social and ecological concerns."
Yeah, those damn liberals and their… Summer school lunch programs… And not wanting kids to get cut to ribbons in the Rio Grande… And wanting to assure access to healthcare, no matter who you are or your gender expression, or if you want safe access to an abortion… And want to end systemic racism…
While I’d join your side here, the term “neoliberalism” does not refer to a contemporary form of liberalism but, rather, has been coined to mean, roughly: “unchecked capitalism, privatization of services and reduction of state-run programs.”
For what it’s worth, I find it an incredibly poorly chosen term, since there is no relation to liberalism (liberalism as in “live and let live, personal freedoms, tolerance”). If liberal-bashing wasn’t so popular, it could as well have been called “neoconservatism” since it was Reagan and his ilk that pushed this kind of economics.
Or it could just be tucked under the umbrella of libertarianism.
Yeah, I caught that a bit too late. I agree wholeheartedly that it sounds a heck of a lot like libertarianism, and that it’s intentionally conflated into neoliberalism purposefully to bash the liberal “brand” (?). And this poster’s propensity for both-sides arguing kind of confirms that for me.
when I was reading 1984 a few years back it occurred to to me that the main character is trapped in his own hell. he tells you how he is dependent on big brother for everything, even his opinion. But his temptation and love and freedom cause his downfall. His handler even knows he will one day fall into the snare. And when they break him, they do so with simple lies that he is forced to believe, because its all that he has left.
But its not big government that is keeping him trapped. He could leave his life and become a prole but his fear is too great. And he returns to the party even when he knows its his doom.
The conservatives are trapped in this same hell cycle. Brought on by themselves. And they fear that leaving the party so much so that they will harm anyone else who tires.
Sounds like 1984 is about to get banned South of the Mason Dixon. Can’t have these liberal, Yankee views corrupting the youth.
1984 + Biden (5 letters) = 1989 = Taylor Swift
Funny because I saw this thread and thought of the Two Minutes Hate.
You say this as if liberals aren’t caught in the same trap.
Just because conservatives are rotted doesn’t mean they’re the only ones
Not much critical thinking goes on in the United States, regardless of party. Which prevents the development of any understanding of material conditions or structural oppression
The definition of neoliberalism:
"Neoliberalism is an economic and political ideology that emphasizes the value of free market capitalism, minimal state intervention in the economy, and the importance of individual entrepreneurial freedoms. Central to neoliberalism is the belief that open markets, free trade, and the unrestricted flow of capital are the best means to achieve economic growth and societal prosperity.
Historically, neoliberalism gained prominence in the late 20th century, particularly under the leadership of figures like Margaret Thatcher in the UK and Ronald Reagan in the US. This period marked a significant shift from Keynesian economics, which advocated for stronger government intervention in the economy, to a model favoring deregulation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and a reduced role for government in social welfare.
The impact of neoliberalism has been global, influencing economic policies across various countries. It led to the liberalization of international trade and finance, the proliferation of free trade agreements, and the globalization of economic activities. However, it has also been critiqued for increasing income inequality, contributing to social disparities, and exacerbating environmental degradation due to its focus on economic growth and efficiency over social and ecological concerns."
Yeah, those damn liberals and their… Summer school lunch programs… And not wanting kids to get cut to ribbons in the Rio Grande… And wanting to assure access to healthcare, no matter who you are or your gender expression, or if you want safe access to an abortion… And want to end systemic racism…
Yeah, you’re right - both sides are the same. /S
While I’d join your side here, the term “neoliberalism” does not refer to a contemporary form of liberalism but, rather, has been coined to mean, roughly: “unchecked capitalism, privatization of services and reduction of state-run programs.”
For what it’s worth, I find it an incredibly poorly chosen term, since there is no relation to liberalism (liberalism as in “live and let live, personal freedoms, tolerance”). If liberal-bashing wasn’t so popular, it could as well have been called “neoconservatism” since it was Reagan and his ilk that pushed this kind of economics.
Or it could just be tucked under the umbrella of libertarianism.
Yeah, I caught that a bit too late. I agree wholeheartedly that it sounds a heck of a lot like libertarianism, and that it’s intentionally conflated into neoliberalism purposefully to bash the liberal “brand” (?). And this poster’s propensity for both-sides arguing kind of confirms that for me.
Maybe you should Google neoliberalism. You seem to be unaware of what it is and what it has done to social democracy