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 other 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. | 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. | ||
Revision as of 23:34, 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 other 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.
The origin of this term comes from the National Assembly in France just before the French Revolution. More liberal members would sit on the left side of the assembly hall in which they met, and more conservative members would sit towards the right. Those who had been offended by their own party would frequently stand up and walk over to the other side of the hall in order to make a political statement. Compare: Rightist