I reckon most of those that have known me for a long time, would have labelled me "leftist, liberal, socialist, secular (even atheist), communist sympathizer" for a long time. In my younger days, I went along with such labeling myself. Now, I do not place much value on such labels or flawed constructs such as the linear, Right/Left paradigm. Basically, I would say what has always appealed to me are notions of
- a basic 'fairness' in the system,
- personal 'niceness' above it, as a starting point
- letting people be as much of themselves they want to be without infringing on others' rights
I must say that my ideas and notions of what people (mis)label as 'socialist, progressive, liberal' etc has undergone a thorough overhaul. Most of these words have lost their original meaning and are now ironic labels that often indicate their opposite in a person.
Today, I must say, I have a better rapport with people that are labelled 'Rightists'. On the average, (NOTE: Speaking statistically, not about individuals specifically) they seem to better reflect in their actions and reasoning, the values I respect and an attitude that is effective in dealing with any hypocritical opposition.
My teenage self would not have believed these coming from me. I reckon I have a bit more of experience since then.
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