Difference between revisions of "Leftist"
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The term '''Leftist''' refers to someone on the 'left' side of the political spectrum. Politics on the 'left' usually | 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 | 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 | + | [[social democrat]]s are usually considered leftists, as are [[feminist]]s, [[gay right]]s activists, and pother activists. |
| − | |||
| − | Of course, it is not obvious that there is just one dimension of political thought, so that people can unambiguously | + | 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. |
| − | 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 | + | The word 'liberal' is often used in the US to mean 'leftist'. But this is inconsistent with the original meaning of the word [[liberal]]. |
| − | word [[liberal]]. | ||
Compare: [[Rightist]] | Compare: [[Rightist]] | ||
Revision as of 23:27, April 4, 2007
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 communists, socialists, and social democrats are usually considered leftists, as are feminists, gay rights activists, and pother activists.
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.
Compare: Rightist