Friday, May 13, 2005

LIberal, liberal, liberal, liberal . . .

Via the ever Upbeat Steve at Catholicism, Holiness and Spirituality

I took the Pew Survey to find out where I fit and surprise!!!

I am a liberal.

Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you most closely resemble survey respondents within the Liberal typology group. This does not mean that you necessarily fit every group characteristic or agree with the group on all issues.

Liberals represent 17 percent of the American public, and 19 percent of registered voters.

Basic Description
This group has nearly doubled in proportion since 1999, Liberals now comprise the largest share of Democrats and is the single largest of the nine Typology groups. They are the most opposed to an assertive foreign policy, the most secular, and take the most liberal views on social issues such as homosexuality, abortion, and censorship. They differ from other Democratic groups in that they are strongly pro-environment and pro-immigration, issues which are more controversial among Conservative and Disadvantaged Democrats.

Defining Values
Strongest preference for diplomacy over use of military force. Pro-choice, supportive of gay marriage and strongly favor environmental protection. Low participation in religious activities. Most sympathetic of any group to immigrants as well as labor unions, and most opposed to the anti-terrorism Patriot Act.


Of course, standard caveats apply. But here's something that doesn't sit well with me:

They differ from other Democratic groups in that they are strongly pro-environment and pro-immigration, issues which are more controversial among Conservative and Disadvantaged Democrats.


"Disadvantaged Democrats?" How dumb! Who exactly are these disadvantaged Democrats? And why do they assume that liberals are rich? Just plain ol stupid and wrong. A quick note, they are promoting the stereotype that the Black community is uninterested in environmental issues. This is false and it has been shown. The areas of concern differ for the Black community than the stereotypical pro-environmental fights, e.g., ANWR, logging. Two points, first, the Black community is heavily invested in environmental fights because environmental waste, pollutions and hazards tend to be dumped on and disproportionately affect Black communities. Secondly, I would have hoped that the image of the tree-hugging, frog-licking environmentalist, would have been discarded for the truth of the situation.

2 Comments:

Blogger Michelle said...

Yeah, I came out liberal too but I absolutely agree with you regarding income and enviromentalism. In the last election people making $30k or less voted overwhelmingly for Kerry. And those of us who are poor are far more likely to suffer the effects of pollution, et. al.

It also didn't leave much room for those of us who don't identify with the Democratic party but who are definitely at the left end of the spectrum -- i.e. Green, etc.

I don't now why I do online quizzes. I always think they'll be so fun and entertaining but I always get frustrated by the way they limit your ability to really express who you are and think. Silly me. ;)

10:08 PM  
Blogger Ono said...

I thought since it was a Pew quiz that it would be much more sophisticated. I guess not.

11:03 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home