The Cost of Comfort: How Conservatism Lost its Edge

Origins and Ideals

Before we continue I feel it is important that you know who the Progressive left is, where it came from, and what it stands for.

The progressive left represents a faction within American politics advocating for significant reforms across social, economic, and political domains. Their ideology can trace its roots back to early 20th-century progressivism and, more controversially, to certain aspects of Marxist thought. Originating in the European communist and socialist movements of the 19th century, these ideas emphasized the need for systemic change to achieve economic equality and social justice.

In the early 20th century, progressivism in the United States sought to address issues of economic inequality, corporate power, and social injustice. However, as the movement evolved, it began to incorporate ideas influenced by Marxist theories, advocating for increased government intervention and redistribution of wealth to address systemic inequalities. This blend of progressive and Marxist ideals has led to the modern progressive left’s focus on policies such as universal healthcare, climate action, expansive civil rights, and corporate regulation.

Today’s progressives come from diverse backgrounds, including young activists, academics, urban professionals, and various minority groups. United by a desire to challenge the status quo and promote systemic change, they view government intervention as a necessary tool to achieve a more equitable society. Their most notable strongholds include academia, media, and urban centers, where they have been particularly effective in shaping public opinion and cultural norms.

The Erosion of Conservative Values

Conservatives have traditionally been the guardians of foundational American values such as limited government, individual freedoms, and free-market principles. Over time, however, a sense of complacency has eroded the commitment to these values. Rather than actively promoting and defending these principles, many conservatives assumed that the status quo would naturally preserve them.

1. Neglecting Advocacy: As conservatives became more confident in their political dominance, they began to neglect the active promotion and defense of their core values. This neglect allowed progressive ideas to gain a foothold in public discourse and policy-making.
2. Policy Drift: Over time, conservative leaders and lawmakers often compromised on key issues, leading to a drift away from core conservative principles. This drift weakened the ideological foundation of the conservative movement and alienated dedicated supporters.
3. Cultural Disconnect: Many conservatives failed to engage with cultural and societal changes, leading to a disconnect between conservative values and the evolving priorities of the American public. This disconnect made it difficult to effectively communicate and advocate for conservative principles.

The Impact of Voter Apathy

One of the most significant manifestations of complacency is voter apathy. Elections at all levels of government have seen lower conservative voter turnout. This lack of engagement has allowed progressive candidates to win key races, sometimes by slim margins.

1. Election Fatigue: Repeated election cycles and a sense of political fatigue have led many conservative voters to become disengaged. This disengagement has resulted in lower voter turnout, particularly in non-presidential elections where local and state races are decided.
2. Assumed Victory: In many conservative strongholds, there has been a tendency to assume victory without active campaigning or voter mobilization. This complacency has allowed progressives to make inroads, even in traditionally conservative areas.
3. Lack of Engagement: Failure to engage with and motivate younger conservative voters has also contributed to voter apathy. Without a concerted effort to involve the next generation, conservative voter bases have stagnated and dwindled.

The Consequence of Ignoring Grassroots Movements

Progressives have been particularly effective in mobilizing grassroots movements to influence local and state politics. From school board elections to city councils, progressives have strategically placed themselves in positions of power. In contrast, conservatives have often underestimated the importance of these local positions, focusing instead on higher-profile races.

1. Local Focus: Progressive activists have recognized the importance of local elections and have invested time and resources into grassroots organizing. By building a strong local presence, they have been able to influence policy from the ground up.
2. Community Engagement: Progressive movements have been successful in engaging with local communities and addressing their specific concerns. This grassroots approach has helped build trust and support for progressive candidates and causes.
3. Conservative Overlook: Conservatives have often focused on national politics, neglecting the importance of local and state elections. This oversight has allowed progressives to gain control of key positions and influence policy at the local level.

The Failure to Adapt to Changing Demographics

Another critical factor has been the conservative movement’s failure to adapt to changing demographics. Progressive groups have made concerted efforts to engage with younger, more diverse populations, addressing issues that resonate with these groups.

1. Demographic Shifts: The American electorate is becoming increasingly diverse, with growing numbers of young voters, minorities, and women. Progressives have successfully reached out to these groups, while conservatives have sometimes struggled to connect with them.
2. Relevant Messaging: Progressive campaigns have effectively addressed issues that resonate with changing demographics, such as climate change, social justice, and economic equality. Conservatives have often failed to tailor their messaging to the concerns and values of these evolving voter bases.
3. Inclusive Outreach: Progressives have invested in inclusive outreach efforts, building coalitions with various demographic groups. Conservatives need to broaden their outreach to include these diverse communities and address their unique concerns.

The Influence of Media and Academia

One of the most significant factors in the progressive left’s rise to power has been their strategic and effective use of media and academia to shape public opinion and cultural norms. By establishing strongholds in these influential sectors, progressives have been able to frame narratives, set agendas, and influence the values and beliefs of successive generations.

Media Dominance

The media, encompassing everything from traditional print and broadcast outlets to digital platforms and social media, plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. Over the past few decades, the progressive left has made significant inroads into this sphere, effectively using it to promote their ideas and values.

1. Framing the Narrative: Progressive media outlets have been adept at framing issues in ways that resonate with a broad audience. By emphasizing themes of social justice, equality, and environmental sustainability, they have been able to capture the attention and support of younger generations and diverse demographics.
2. Agenda Setting: Through consistent and strategic coverage, progressive media has been able to set the agenda on key issues. Topics such as climate change, healthcare reform, and racial inequality are frequently highlighted, ensuring they remain at the forefront of public and political discourse.
3. Cultural Influence: Media is not just about news; it also encompasses entertainment, which has a profound impact on cultural norms and values. Progressive themes are often embedded in movies, television shows, music, and other forms of entertainment, subtly shaping the cultural landscape in favor of progressive ideals.
4. Social Media: Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become powerful tools for progressives to mobilize support, spread their message, and engage with a wide audience. Progressive activists and organizations have leveraged these platforms effectively, often outpacing conservative efforts in terms of reach and engagement.

Academia’s Role

Academia, particularly higher education institutions, has long been a breeding ground for progressive ideas. Universities and colleges have a profound influence on the intellectual and ideological development of young adults, and the progressive left has successfully established a strong presence in this arena.

1. Curriculum and Pedagogy: Many academic institutions have incorporated progressive perspectives into their curricula, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. Courses on gender studies, critical race theory, and environmental science often emphasize progressive viewpoints, shaping students’ understanding and beliefs.
2. Faculty Influence: Progressive scholars and professors often hold significant sway over the intellectual climate of universities. Their research, teachings, and public engagements help to legitimize and propagate progressive ideas, influencing not only students but also the broader academic community.
3. Campus Activism: Universities have historically been hubs for political activism, and progressive movements have been particularly active on campuses. Student organizations, protests, and advocacy groups work to promote progressive causes, creating a vibrant and influential activist culture.
4. Research and Policy: Academic research frequently informs public policy and debate. Progressive academics often produce research that supports progressive policies, providing intellectual and empirical backing for initiatives related to social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection.

The Path Forward

While the situation may seem daunting, it is not irreversible. Conservatives must recognize the dangers of complacency and take proactive steps to regain influence. This involves:

1. Re-engaging Voters: Conservatives need to emphasize the importance of every election and work to increase voter turnout at all levels.
2. Investing in Grassroots Movements: Building a strong, local presence is crucial. Conservatives must invest time and resources into grassroots efforts to influence local politics.
3. Adapting to Demographic Changes: The conservative movement must evolve to address the concerns and values of a more diverse and younger electorate.
4. Engaging with Media and Academia: Conservatives need to be more assertive in these spheres, presenting compelling narratives that resonate with a broad audience.
5. Promoting Core Values: A renewed commitment to foundational conservative principles is essential. This involves not just defending these values, but actively promoting them in all areas of public life.

Conclusion

The rise of the progressive left is not merely a result of their efforts but also a consequence of conservative complacency. By recognizing the areas where complacency has taken root and taking proactive measures to address them, conservatives can begin to reclaim lost ground and ensure that their values continue to shape the future of America.