Difference between revisions of "Leftist"
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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. | 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]] | Compare: [[Rightist]] | ||
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Revision as of 20:56, April 5, 2007
The term Leftist refers to someone on the 'left' side of the political spectrum.
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