One of the best ways to control people is to craft the memes that will automatically cause a predicted response from them. For example, it has become very popular for people to bash “Liberals” and to blame all of the ills of society on them. What’s interesting is that there is no widespread meme of this type for conservative Republicans. It is not wise to paint everyone with the same brush. There will always be exceptions. All white people are not devils, and all Black people are not saints; and this goes for everyone else on the planet, no matter what racial or ethnic identity is cited. There are general characteristics, however, that seem to be “owned” by certain groups. Let’s start with some definitions.
The word “liberal” is defined, as 1. Favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs. 2. Noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform. 3. Of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism, especially the freedom of the individual and governmental guarantees of individual rights and liberties. 4.Favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, especially as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.5. Favoring or permitting freedom of action, especially with respect to matters of personal belief or expression. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Now, let’s look at definitions of “conservative:” 1. Disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc., or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change. 2. Cautiously moderate or purposefully low: a conservative estimate. 3. Traditional in style or manner; avoiding novelty or showiness; 4. (Often initial capital letter) of or relating to the Conservative party. 5. Of, relating to, or characteristic of Conservative Jews or Conservative Judaism.
When comparing Liberals with Conservatives, it becomes obvious that there are seemingly “good” guys and “bad” guys. In America, the Democratic Party seems to embrace the better elements of “liberalism” whereas Conservative Republicans strive to maintain the past. In the case of African Americans, who have endured a legacy of slavery, oppression, lynching, and now police murders, conservatism does not bode well. This is especially true during the Donald Trump administration, which seeks to “make America great again,” which some interpret as make America “white” again.
One of the most egregious examples of the backward pull of Trumpian Conservatism can be seen in a blatant disregard for the lives of poor individuals, no matter what race, and the willingness to throw them under the bus so that wealthy white men can get tax breaks. In their fervor to derail the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” conservative Republicans are poised to take away healthcare coverage from more than 20 million Americans. Moreover, others of the Conservative ilk have opposed a minimum wage hike, and some have even suggested lowering the minimum wage! This is incredible, and if such a thing as a devil actually exists, these plans were certainly crafted in his workshop! So, since the Trump administration is willing to do whatever it can to be in service to self, it has indeed aligned itself with the regressive side of life. Some would call it evil.
Now, we know that the Democratic Party is not overladen with angels, but it has demonstrated a greater tendency toward liberalism and inclusion. Nowhere in recent history, however, can we think of greater abuses of power that have so far been blatantly evident in the current Republican cohort. Whatever the verdict regarding “good” or “evil” turns out to be, the Trump administration certainly smells like rotten fish from the standpoint of the Black community. For this reason, it is time to really take destiny in hand and use the system of democracy to extricate the Black community from the current political maelstrom. We must embrace the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles. In addition, we must demand reparations! A luta continua.
