As I have discussed previously, the progressives, who currently control the Democratic Party, have an obsession with equality as a foundational concept in human society.
In my opinion the biggest factor distinguishing modern progressives from the past is their total separation from reality. Due to wealth and comfort (and, ironically, privilege) it’s easier for them to ignore real constraints (scarcity, incentives, sex, etc.) and to act as if theory + sentiment = facts.
The paradox of their worldview is that EVERY aspect of their program relies upon an expansion of state power (coercion) and the destruction of traditional norms and family modes and communities. Eventually, if their vision is realized, all of these things will be wiped away-replaced with widespread indoctrination and control. THAT is the essence of modern progressivism: “my values (inclusivity, equity, feminism, etc.) are so worthy that everyone should be forced to embrace them.”
While you make some interesting points in this article, I think that it is a big mistake to say that the Left can save itself by getting back to agitating for Equality. The goal of equality is in fact the problem, and it has been central to the goals of the Left for 200 years. Equality is unachievable and the cost of trying to create it does far more damage to society than good.
The Left can only benefit society if it abandons its goal of Equality and replaces it with more achievable goals.
Except for New York of course where they have the total socialist running for mayor.
In my opinion the biggest factor distinguishing modern progressives from the past is their total separation from reality. Due to wealth and comfort (and, ironically, privilege) it’s easier for them to ignore real constraints (scarcity, incentives, sex, etc.) and to act as if theory + sentiment = facts.
The paradox of their worldview is that EVERY aspect of their program relies upon an expansion of state power (coercion) and the destruction of traditional norms and family modes and communities. Eventually, if their vision is realized, all of these things will be wiped away-replaced with widespread indoctrination and control. THAT is the essence of modern progressivism: “my values (inclusivity, equity, feminism, etc.) are so worthy that everyone should be forced to embrace them.”
https://jmpolemic.substack.com/p/the-paradox-of-progressivism
While you make some interesting points in this article, I think that it is a big mistake to say that the Left can save itself by getting back to agitating for Equality. The goal of equality is in fact the problem, and it has been central to the goals of the Left for 200 years. Equality is unachievable and the cost of trying to create it does far more damage to society than good.
The Left can only benefit society if it abandons its goal of Equality and replaces it with more achievable goals.
https://frompovertytoprogress.substack.com/p/the-central-moral-dilemma-of-the
https://frompovertytoprogress.substack.com/p/why-progress-and-upward-mobility