the difference between American liberalism and American leftism.
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I call myself both depending on who I’m talking to, even though they are mutually exclusive and I am firmly a leftist.
To many people, liberal just means “votes for Democrat”, which kind of encapsulates most people who are for social freedoms and at least somewhat for welfare spending. If someone isn’t very politically inclined, this is probably what they’re thinking of when they say liberal, and when this person says “leftist” they mean someone who is strongly in favor of social freedoms and more welfare spending. To this person a leftist is a type of liberal.
This is kinda sorta true, but most leftists(myself included) would make the distinction that leftists generally believe capitalism has peaked, and that some form of socialism must be implemented to continue improving living conditions for most people. We would say that a liberal is someone who supports social freedom, but supports the continuation of capitalism with minimal restraints/regulations/safety nets, whereas we ultimately think capitalism should be replaced with socialism or eventually communism. We would not call ourselves liberals (most of the time, sometimes it’s just easier to say “I’m very liberal” than explain all this, because most people aren’t asking about your favorite economic philosophy, they’re asking how you feel about social issues).
Also when I say socialism, I’m generally referring to an economic structure where the workers democratically control their workplace (like in a union at a minimum).
And for all you socialists/communists/anarchists out there I know I am simplifying stuff.
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