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| − | The term '''Leftist''' refers to the Liberal side of the [[political spectrum]] which places Communist totalitarians on one side and Fascist totalitarians on the other side. | + | The term '''Leftist''' refers to someone on the 'left' side of the political spectrum. Politics on the 'left' usually |
| | + | imply taking positions in favor of poor, powerless, or oppressed people. Therefore [[communist]]s, [[socialist]]s, and |
| | + | [[social democrat]]s are usually considered leftists, as are [[feminist]]s, [[gay right]]s activists, and people who |
| | + | oppose [[racism]]. |
| | + | |
| | + | Of course, it is not obvious that there is just one dimension of political thought, so that people can unambiguously |
| | + | be classified as 'right' or 'left'. Nonetheless, the left/right distinction is mentioned in many countries. |
| | + | |
| | + | The word 'liberal' is often used in the US to mean 'leftist'. But this is inconsistent with the original meaning of the |
| | + | word [[liberal]]. |
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| | Compare: [[Rightist]] | | Compare: [[Rightist]] |