Some people have summed up the difference between liberalism and conservatism as whether you think people are basically good or basically evil.
I think a more fundamental difference is how much do you view the State as a force for good compared to non-governmental institutions. After all, Liberals may believe that the downtrodden are fundamentally good, but they are awfully cynical when it comes to the individuals running major corporations. Conservatives may underestimate the institutionalized forces keeping folks down, but their major distrust is with government remedies to the situation. Morality is less of a ring-fence than a structure for living, which will ultimately bring reward.
All that being said, I can see your wider point. I've really never had anyone attack my fundamental identity, and, even if I did, I can gain confidence from the notion that society as a whole supports me. There may, in theory, be certain instances where I'm attacked for being straight, but I can draw strength from the knowledge that the vast majority of people on this earth think being straight is okay. I think that's where defenders of privilege miss the point. Even if they are being attacked in this instance (and, let's face it, it's mostly a perception of being attacked) they know that they have solid backing. It's not even usually an 'us vs. them' thing. Most minorities don't begrudge the majorities their existence. They just want to be treated equally, which can be hard to see if you don't realize you're being treated better.
If the privileged are put in the unfamiliar position of having to defend, and, more importantly, examine, their actions; then I say all the better. I put myself in this category. It's not comfortable, or comforting, to confront your own privilege, particularly if you don't realize how much of an advantage it gives you. But, let's face it, there are worse things you could be forced to do.
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momijizukamori
no subject
Date: 2014-02-28 04:25 pm (UTC)I think a more fundamental difference is how much do you view the State as a force for good compared to non-governmental institutions. After all, Liberals may believe that the downtrodden are fundamentally good, but they are awfully cynical when it comes to the individuals running major corporations. Conservatives may underestimate the institutionalized forces keeping folks down, but their major distrust is with government remedies to the situation. Morality is less of a ring-fence than a structure for living, which will ultimately bring reward.
All that being said, I can see your wider point. I've really never had anyone attack my fundamental identity, and, even if I did, I can gain confidence from the notion that society as a whole supports me. There may, in theory, be certain instances where I'm attacked for being straight, but I can draw strength from the knowledge that the vast majority of people on this earth think being straight is okay. I think that's where defenders of privilege miss the point. Even if they are being attacked in this instance (and, let's face it, it's mostly a perception of being attacked) they know that they have solid backing. It's not even usually an 'us vs. them' thing. Most minorities don't begrudge the majorities their existence. They just want to be treated equally, which can be hard to see if you don't realize you're being treated better.
If the privileged are put in the unfamiliar position of having to defend, and, more importantly, examine, their actions; then I say all the better. I put myself in this category. It's not comfortable, or comforting, to confront your own privilege, particularly if you don't realize how much of an advantage it gives you. But, let's face it, there are worse things you could be forced to do.