• Burn_The_Right@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    Good comment.

    I’d like to add an important point about your use of the word “liberal” for those who may not know… The word “liberal” in this context refers to economic liberalism.

    The word “liberal” in this use is absolutely not interchangeable with the word “progressive”. These two words mean very different things. Conservatives have worked hard to cause these words to be confused with one another.

    In 1980, Reagan’s conservatives re-defined the word “liberal” in conservative media to be a pejorative for “progressive”. This was an attempt to confuse public discussion. Before this, the word “liberal” was used to describe economic policy. Now, conservatives (and many progressives who don’t know any better) use the word “liberal” interchangeably with “progressive”.

    Re-defining words is a common tactic used by conservatives (and fascists) to influence and confuse public perceptions.