 |
|
Bill Cosby and the Incoherence of Left-Liberalism
Posted on: July 4, 2021 at 09:04:15 CT
ummmm MU
Posts:
44901
Member For:
13.44 yrs
Level:
User
M.O.B. Votes:
0
Good read:
https://mtracey.substack.com/p/bill-cosby-and-the-incoherence-of
Excerpt:
The importance of the Cosby episode lies in how it once again elucidates the endlessly conflicting impulses at the heart of contemporary left-liberalism, which is becoming something of a theme on this Substack. The point is not to take easy pot-shots at hypocrisy: that’s trivial. Who ultimately cares if some dopey Twitter comedian doesn’t have perfectly consistent political views? What’s important to recognize is that these paradoxes are evidence of the durability of contemporary left-liberalism. Media activists can “brand” as dedicated opponents of an overly-punitive and overly-carceral criminal justice system, then turn around and agitate for the carceral power of the state to be deployed on behalf of their social priorities — and hardly anyone perceives an issue. Why? Because contemporary left-liberalism is possessed of a wondrous flexibility that enables it to latch onto multiple strands of seemingly contradictory public passion all at once, and gloss right over the ensuing tensions — in furtherance of solidifying its grip on the Democratic Party, cultural organs, and the countless other institutions that conservatives are always complaining the Left controls.
It’s necessary to appreciate that what seems like a constant flitting back and forth between mutually exclusive impulses — which, again, to the untrained eye resembles run-of-the-mill hypocrisy — is actually an integral part of mainstream left-liberalism’s ongoing ascendance. Managing such contradictions doesn’t hinder the left-liberal acquisition of power, or overtaking of institutions. It enables this acquisition. Scoffing at garden-variety “hypocrisy” on Substack, or in a snarky podcast, is not going to make any difference.
But just as well, there’s insight here into why so many who attempt to adhere to a consistent set of principles will eventually run afoul of popular left-liberal consensus: it’s an eternally self-justifying, shape-shifting construction — organized around the accrual of power. Civil liberties are fashionable one day and of no use the next. Which makes sense, because civil liberties often need to be invoked to constrain the power that left-liberals are clearly desperate to wield against their adversaries.
https://mtracey.substack.com/p/bill-cosby-and-the-incoherence-of
Excerpt:
The importance of the Cosby episode lies in how it once again elucidates the endlessly conflicting impulses at the heart of contemporary left-liberalism, which is becoming something of a theme on this Substack. The point is not to take easy pot-shots at hypocrisy: that’s trivial. Who ultimately cares if some dopey Twitter comedian doesn’t have perfectly consistent political views? What’s important to recognize is that these paradoxes are evidence of the durability of contemporary left-liberalism. Media activists can “brand” as dedicated opponents of an overly-punitive and overly-carceral criminal justice system, then turn around and agitate for the carceral power of the state to be deployed on behalf of their social priorities — and hardly anyone perceives an issue. Why? Because contemporary left-liberalism is possessed of a wondrous flexibility that enables it to latch onto multiple strands of seemingly contradictory public passion all at once, and gloss right over the ensuing tensions — in furtherance of solidifying its grip on the Democratic Party, cultural organs, and the countless other institutions that conservatives are always complaining the Left controls.
It’s necessary to appreciate that what seems like a constant flitting back and forth between mutually exclusive impulses — which, again, to the untrained eye resembles run-of-the-mill hypocrisy — is actually an integral part of mainstream left-liberalism’s ongoing ascendance. Managing such contradictions doesn’t hinder the left-liberal acquisition of power, or overtaking of institutions. It enables this acquisition. Scoffing at garden-variety “hypocrisy” on Substack, or in a snarky podcast, is not going to make any difference.
But just as well, there’s insight here into why so many who attempt to adhere to a consistent set of principles will eventually run afoul of popular left-liberal consensus: it’s an eternally self-justifying, shape-shifting construction — organized around the accrual of power. Civil liberties are fashionable one day and of no use the next. Which makes sense, because civil liberties often need to be invoked to constrain the power that left-liberals are clearly desperate to wield against their adversaries.
Please explain why this message is being reported.
MESSAGE THREAD
Bill Cosby and the Incoherence of Left-Liberalism - ummmm MU - 7/4 09:04:15