The Importance Of Classical Liberalism
Start writing a post
Politics

The Importance Of Classical Liberalism

Classical liberalism is defined as being a political ideology that values the rights of the individual. However, it means so much more than that.

1196
The Importance Of Classical Liberalism
thelibertyconservative.com

With political division at an all-time high, it seems as though people are showing more animosity towards opposing points of view more than ever before. With these clashing points of view, it’s important to remain tolerant of those who may oppose your own. What society needs now more than ever is a dose of classical liberalism. Classical liberalism is defined as being a political ideology that values the rights of the individual. These rights include religion, speech, press, assembly, and markets. However, my personal definition varies in that includes being tolerant of those views that may not align with your own.

Recently around the country, the clashing of extremist views are on the rise. On one side you have those that oppose president Trump; they usually exercise their 1st Amendment rights by protesting the injustices they see on certain college campuses. These protests usually revolve around their respective colleges hosting speakers in which they do not agree. On the other side, you have those that are supporters of President Trump; they usually exercise their 1st Amendment rights by counter-protesting those that oppose President Trump.

Although neither point of view is accomplishing much in the way they exercise their rights, at the end of the day, speech that is deemed offensive by one side doesn’t mean it’s not protected by the 1st Amendment. There are things that we see as Americans on a daily basis that we may deem offensive, however, that doesn’t mean these things should be banned or censored just because we deem them offensive. For example, if I see a group of people attempting to burn an American flag, I wouldn’t like it, but I wouldn’t attempt to stop them either. This is due to the way that their speech, even though it may offend me, is protected by the 1st Amendment.

When I see colleges such as Berkeley not doing their part in protecting free speech, it really opens my eyes up to how our free speech is in danger and how it seems as though tolerance to other’s views have been completely thrown out the window in favor of violence and censorship. What we need now more than ever is a large does of classical liberalism. We need to look beyond what our own views are and focus on the practice of free speech instead, even if it may offend us. With the political views in this country only becoming more and more extreme, we do ourselves and everyone around us a disservice if we don’t listen to other points of view or attempt to shutdown these points of view.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56905
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36680
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958467
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

189564
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments