Why is support for a bill of this kind pejoratively labelled as "rightsideism" when it can just a readily - more so, I think - be characterised as a rational response to a substantial body of evidence?
That wasn't my intention and perhaps I should have said that more explicitly. Certainly, some support is based on a review of evidence. Yet in my opinion, other support reflects rightsideism.
I can't help but be reminded of the transgender debate, where soi-disant liberals (who really aren't) are all about being on the supposed "right side", no matter the harms to people and society. I'm a staunch, lifelong liberal, and I'm so fed up with the willful ignorance of "my" side on this issue.
Anyway, don't mean to derail the discussion. The concept of "rightsideism" resonates.
Isn't the issue that any kind of *dogma* is a threat to liberal democracy?
Be that Brexit, Public Ownership, The Free Market or anything.
Once it's established as an axiomatic good our ability to formulate effective policy dies a little.
In terms of rightsideism, I remain unconvinced that we're not just talking about the equivalent of the nativist right's "won't someone think of the white working class!" or "free speech! (of people O gree with. Obviously not my opponents!)"
The only difference being where it comes from, its motivations and how it plays out.
Why is support for a bill of this kind pejoratively labelled as "rightsideism" when it can just a readily - more so, I think - be characterised as a rational response to a substantial body of evidence?
That wasn't my intention and perhaps I should have said that more explicitly. Certainly, some support is based on a review of evidence. Yet in my opinion, other support reflects rightsideism.
Fair enough - thanks Thomas - sorry if I misunderstood.
Another thoughtful essay, Thomas.
I can't help but be reminded of the transgender debate, where soi-disant liberals (who really aren't) are all about being on the supposed "right side", no matter the harms to people and society. I'm a staunch, lifelong liberal, and I'm so fed up with the willful ignorance of "my" side on this issue.
Anyway, don't mean to derail the discussion. The concept of "rightsideism" resonates.
Thanks Lisa :-) Yes, that's another area in which this happens!
Isn't the issue that any kind of *dogma* is a threat to liberal democracy?
Be that Brexit, Public Ownership, The Free Market or anything.
Once it's established as an axiomatic good our ability to formulate effective policy dies a little.
In terms of rightsideism, I remain unconvinced that we're not just talking about the equivalent of the nativist right's "won't someone think of the white working class!" or "free speech! (of people O gree with. Obviously not my opponents!)"
The only difference being where it comes from, its motivations and how it plays out.
Two sides of the same coin. So to speak.
Certainly, there are similarities, but rightsideism is distinct. For example, it makes more use of emotion than other forms of tribalism.