How valid is the Left-Right dichotomy?

[Tahuti]

Nobody cares about what you think of Louis XVI now do we?

 

[Borachio]

Let me get this right... I mean, correct.

The Left basically believes it's the State's job to look after the individual. While the Right believes the individual should look after themselves.

Yet no one from the Left would suggest that the State should do absolutely everything for the individual.

And no one from the Right thinks the individual should be totally self-reliant.

So, it's a question of where you draw the line. And that line is where Left and Right meet?

Do you like my naive simple-mindedness? I find it rather appealing, myself.

 

[Tahuti]

Except that there are anarchists who are somehow considered leftwinger, and there are also right-wingers who love the state.

Yes there, right-wing thought is often identified with hierarchy, but doesn't account for how hierarchy can also be de-facto present among left-wingers.

Besides, the whole left-right dichotomy leads to stupid ideological pidgeonholing - I sometimes find myself guilty of as well - like "another left-winger who doesn't know how life works" or "right-wing rubbish". It is doesn't encourange to the point debates, now does it?

 

[Synobun]

It's too polarizing and illogical. It serves only to divide people.

 

[Lone Wolf]

The Left basically believes it's the State's job to look after the individual. While the Right believes the individual should look after themselves.

This definition seems quite right-wing

 

[Borachio]

And also quite left wing.

It depends how you look at it.

It's of course a gross simplification however you look at it.

 

[Arrow Gamer]

Your anarchy example is because the left is often associated with radical thinking.

 

[danjuno]

Have you guys already forgotten The Political Compass?

 

[Borachio]

Your anarchy example is because the left is often associated with radical thinking.

You don't think the right is capable of radical thought?

 

[Tahuti]

Your anarchy example is because the left is often associated with radical thinking.

Radical thinking you say?

 

[Lone Wolf]

And also quite left wing.

It depends how you look at it.

It's of course a gross simplification however you look at it.

I don't think it's left-wing; it presents the left as paternalistic or parasitical, while it presents the right as proponents of independence and fairness.

You don't think the right is capable of radical thought?

Depends on the definition of the word. Do we consider "radical" the same as "extremist"?

 

[Borachio]

OK. Well, come up with a better definition of what's left and right wing, then.

I wouldn't say radical is the same as extremist. "Radical" refers to the root of things. So you could, in theory, be a radical centrist. Maybe?

 

[Lone Wolf]

OK. Well, come up with a better definition of what's left and right wing, then.

Challenge accepted.

Broadly, left-wing ideology is pro-equality, right-wing ideology is anti-equality (since a certain measure of inequality, according to it, is good for giving individuals something to strive for and inspiring them, for ensuring that society is ruled by people who deserve it, for ensuring that certain harmful kinds of people, who really shouldn't be equal, will remain so etc). Of course, center-rightists acknowledge that too much inequality can be harmful, and vice versa.

Note that I said "ideology", not "practice".

Maybe not an ideal definition, but I dare say, it's certainly better then yours.

 

[Antilogic]

Not very. But we use it anyway because it's verbally convenient.

 

[Borachio]

Maybe not an ideal definition, but I dare say, it's certainly better then yours.

You may dare say so, sir. That is your privilege. I couldn't possibly comment.

 

[Lone Wolf]

I, sir, am truly humbled by your humility.

 

[Borachio]

Don't be fooled, I beg you. My "humility" is complete fakery.

 

[bhsup]

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I took some minutes to create this handy dandy chart for all of you. It's really simple to use. Compare yourself to me, then place yourself on the appropriate place on the chart. You have just learned what you are in the left-right dichotomy. It's a lot quicker than the political compass test.

 

[strijder20]

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I took some minutes to create this handy dandy chart for all of you. It's really simple to use. Compare yourself to me, then place yourself on the appropriate place on the chart. You have just learned what you are in the left-right dichotomy. It's a lot quicker than the political compass test.

But I don't know anything about you. Reveal me your deepest secrets.

 

[Synobun]

But I don't know anything about you. Reveal me your deepest secrets.

Bacon is a civil right.