It was a good show, America. And I'm glad Obama won, he seems to have a better understanding of today's complex world.
When I watched Obama rise four years ago I started to wonder about archetypal forces behind these two social orientations known as "conservatism" and "liberalism" (I will be using these two words in what I see as their contemporary American sense, corresponding to the Republican and Democratic parties, respectively). In the heated election campaigns the conflict/contrast between the two is emphasized but I think they are manifestations of complementary aspects of human nature, both having their weak spots and being able to offer valuable perspectives and enrich each other.
So this is what I came up with:
Conservatives have a keen sense of differences, uphold them, emphasize them and keep them in structures. Liberals look for similarities and commonalities, try to reconcile, downplay or remove differences and relax structures.
Conservatives emphasize individual differences, freedom and responsibility. Liberals emphasize togetherness, mutual help and care.
Conservatives focus on rules and consequences of one's actions and uphold them even if they are painful; this is justice. Liberals focus on freedom from rules and consequences and try to alleviate pain; this is mercy.
Here are some specific areas:
Economic policy: Conservatives prefer economic individualism - free market and little redistribution of wealth; people get what they earn. Liberals prefer a more collectivistic economy, with larger redistribution of wealth and measures to help the needy and disadvantaged. The conservative direction stimulates individual initiative but can lead to reckless competition and suffering of the weaker people. The liberal direction alleviates the suffering of the weak and, if possible, helps them return to economic activity, but may also suppress individual initiative of many.
Abortion, death penalty, euthanasia: Conservatives feel strongly about the unborn baby's personhood and innocence and so they reject abortion as murder. The criminal on death row is a human being too, however he is guilty and therefore deserves the punishment. Liberals' preference for mercy will lead them to minimize suffering: abortion is permissible because the unborn baby's undeveloped consciousness limits its ability to suffer, at least in earlier stages of pregnancy, and anaesthetics can be used to remove possible pain to the baby during the procedure. In the liberal view, this can be better than having the baby suffering later when it is born unwanted or having the parents, particularly the woman, suffering as a result of pregnancy and having a child they don't want or can't take care of. Death penalty is less supported by liberals because of the criminal's capacity of suffering before or during the execution. On the other hand, liberals are more willing to support euthanasia ("mercy killing") if the patient wants it in order to end their suffering. For conservatives euthanasia undermines the value of the individual and the rule that an innocent person should not be killed.
Homosexual rights: Conservatives defend the differences between a man and a woman, heterosexual union and existing family structure. Liberals are less likely to stick to these differences and structures. Their support for homosexual unions is also influenced by the fact that change of sexual orientation is difficult, if not impossible, and discrimination against homosexual people causes them much suffering.
Illegal immigration: Conservatives are less likely to forgive law-breakers and are concerned about the impact that illegal immigration may have on their personal wealth, employment and on existing ideological structures. Liberals are more likely to emphasize the humanness of the illegal immigrants and include them in society.
Foreign policy: Conservatives tend to be more hawkish (militant and uncompromising) to the enemies and in defense of the national interest, which may lead to arrogance. Liberals are more dovish (conciliatory and empathetic), which may lead to appeasement.
Environment: Conservatives are more likely to see the natural world as separate from and inferior to man and available for man to use freely in order to secure his needs and interests. Liberals feel not only greater connection between people but also between people and nature, and strive for a better protection of nature.
Religion: Conservatives prefer rule-based religions while liberals loose spirituality. Conservatives tend to interpret religious scriptures in a more literal way, preferring clear definitions and structure and noting the differences from other religions. Liberals' interpretation of scriptures is more metaphorical and ambiguous and less dogmatic, giving them more flexibility in applying them in their life and reconciling them with people of different religions.
I just can't deal with purists. The original is still there, it isn't going anywhere, it isn't being "ruined." It's still there for your enjoyment. I, personally, like seeing different interpretations of ideas. That's the basis of all originality is it not?
Sometimes they're needed (A Nightmare of Elm Street, Evil Dead), sometimes they work (The Ring, Evangelion) and sometimes they don't (Steel Magnolias). It varies, but I use.
It's not even that. The album's already leaked, and I think she just wants to share the music with us. The video means nothing, it's just something she put together to accompany the song so her fans have something to look at while they listen. God bless this woman.
Sorry but the only way to feel the FULL FORCE of Dark Paradise is to stand on the edge of a mountain in a flowing gown, clearly SOME of you haven't done this.
omg that's like omg. Okay it's like this:
You go out for dinner and you've heard the black forest cake is incredible and you have every intention of trying it. However, you know you need to have entre and mains. Everything will be delicious, you will order an authentic Italian pasta, it'll be familiar but great. But deep down you know you're waiting for dessert but you also know dessert will be even better because you've waited for it. IT'S LIKE DELAYED GRATIFICAKETION.
THAT'S LIKE MANSON BEING INTERROGATED AND WHAT IF THEY SAID "WELL YOU KILLED PEOPLE THAT'S BAD" AND HE SAYS "WELL THAT WAS THE POINT" NOOO THAT DOES NOT MAKE IT OK.
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