To the editor:
The term “radical left” gets thrown around a lot, and I’d like to discuss what it means.
First let’s talk about right vs. left. (Fun fact: These labels originated in the legislature of revolutionary France, named for the actual sides of the room where different political camps sat.)
Conceptually, the right believes it’s natural, inevitable and/or good for some people or groups in society to have more privileges than others. So some on the right think it’s natural that most CEOs are men, it’s inevitable that some people will be rich and others poor, it’s good that Christians have more sway in our government than atheists do, etc. The left instead believes society should aim for equality, where differences between people’s privileges get reduced or eliminated.
“Radical” means wanting fundamental change (literally at “the root”). Important note: Being radical doesn’t necessarily imply violence; Martin Luther King Jr., for example, was a nonviolent radical.
Some movements on the left are more radical than others, in terms of a) how much equality they’re looking for, and b) whom they think deserves it. For example, the Democratic Party isn’t very radical; it’s mostly liberal nationalists, who want on-paper equality for all citizens: things like universal voting rights and certain employment rights.
Alone, this kind of “equality of opportunity” means many people will continue living in poverty. And even this limited equality is only extended to citizens; liberal nationalists are often quite happy with immigration restrictions and an aggressive foreign policy.
More radical leftists instead want more radical equality, like the complete abolition of poverty, or solidarity with all people regardless of nationality. Even then, different radical leftists disagree over how to achieve such fundamental changes. Some want to reform our systems from within through things like winning elections, whereas others think another revolution is required.
Where do you fall on the left-right and radical spectrum? Personally I find it useful to think through these concepts, because they can help you describe your idea of a good society and how to get there.
Rob Kipp
Presque Isle
