The New Liberals…
I know, I know. Neoliberalism is already a term, defined on Wikipedia and all that, but as long as America’s definitions about everything are changing, I would like to offer up an alternate meaning to the word neoliberal.
A neoliberal is anyone over 27 who still watches cartoons regularly. Anyone who knows everything about show business and nothing about politics. Anyone who hates the war and has no idea why. Anyone who hates our president and has no idea why. Anyone who is voting democrat and has no idea why.
A neoliberal is anyone who can change their political views like a chameleon depending on whom they are with (the change being so natural that they don’t even know that it is occurring). Anyone who thinks Fox news is biased and right wing but has no idea why. Anyone who thinks that other news stations are fair and balanced. Anyone who forwards emails without checking the content on snopes.
Neoliberals are not known for their ideas, but for their adherence to any idea that sounds good. They would rather get on with the important things in life such as iPods and Brittney’s crotch shot. These are things worth learning about. Time magazine is taking care of the other stuff without us, and if we want to find out what they are doing, we just have to buy a magazine. But oh, wait - that copy of Maxim looks a lot more interesting.
In short, I guess, neoliberalism is the philosophy that we can unquestioningly trust the media and trust the government because they know better than us, and who are we to question them. It is the idea that we need to fit in with the majority even if the majority are sheep blindly following anyone who calls himself a leader, because it’s easier that way.
Besides, sometimes it’s hard work to think. Most people don’t have that kind of time…do you?
Editor’s Note: Matthew Bennett blogs on Politics, Social Issues, Christian faith, Philosophical Theism, and a host of other topics at BeforeManBreathed.
Gee. I hate thinking. That’s why I drink Kool-Aid!
I love grape, but lemon-lime seems to neutralize the bitterness a little better.
AWESOME post, Matt. It was a nice touch that you included at least a reference to Kool-Aid on the right hand side of the aisle as well. It’s helpful to realize that blind acceptance of the company label is dangerous no matter what your ideology. I couldn’t have said it better myself. Thanks for your contribution.