An Unapologetic Liberal
In this talk, Geoff Nunberg cites a finding that the phrase “unapologetic liberal” is used far more often, even by the “liberal” media, than “unapologetic conservative”:
IT Conversations: Geoff Nunberg
It is assumed that such linguistic triumphs of the Right simply point to a lack of political savvy on the part of liberals. “We don’t bend language as well as They do.” But I think the shoe fits us Lefties.
Why are the strongest willed among the Left called “unapologetic”? What do we have to apologize for? I’ll tell you what: sin. The underlying difference between the secular humanist and religious value systems is in the rules themselves. Liberal attitudes towards sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll are viewed from a moral highground by conservatives; the alternative lifestyles look obscene and impure.
So the conservative is doing things Right, what could be apologized for on that side? Nobody is scandalizing sobriety or piety. Scandal by definition undermines those things. So a scandalous Left breeds apologetic moderates and unapologetic zealots. We hope the Right at least sympathizes with our struggle to reconcile our experimental tendencies with the consequences. We are not unaware of them, we just want all of life.