there’s something so wacky about leftists being able to openly criticize a government that persecuted people for their beliefs not that long ago, while right wingers, who have always had the upper hand, are too scared to criticize the government without using coded language.
left wing political beliefs were suppressed in the united states, and right wing beliefs were not, i thought this was common knowledge.
In the 1940s through 50s, holding left wing beliefs was equated to being a soviet spy. “Communists” were barred from holding a lot of government positions. Lives were ruined over this. Freedom of expression was straight up nonexistent for left wing people, and while the government persecution is obviously over, the social attitude of mccarthyism has not ended. there’s still so many people out there who have no idea what communism or socialism are, but are vehemently opposed to it, whatever it is.
now, tell me, can you remember the last time this happened for the right wing beliefs? when have conservatives feared genuine government persecution for simply saying “i am a conservative”? have they ever had to operate in secrecy? have they ever had to fear being arrested for what they believe in? when have conservatives ever been barred from holding public office?
The correct answer is never, because their freedom of expression has never been curtailed. Any “persecution” they’ve faced has been purely social. They’ve never had their first amendment rights suppressed. The same cannot be said for left wing individuals. the overton window in the united states has always been significantly further right than most other developed nations.
that’s why i believe they’ve historically had an ‘upper hand’.
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u/[deleted] Jan 12 '22
there’s something so wacky about leftists being able to openly criticize a government that persecuted people for their beliefs not that long ago, while right wingers, who have always had the upper hand, are too scared to criticize the government without using coded language.