We discussed various political topics and standpoints throughout this semester, including liberalism. Liberalism is a general approach to the justification of political authority that sees such authority as resting fundamentally on the rights and choices of individual citizens, whose national autonomy (right of self) and freedom to choose for themselves is respected by such authority (Christman, J). Being a “liberal”, often means supporting ideas such as civil rights and gender equality, to name a few. Through this paper, I will explain the primary critiques of liberalism, with supporting information from feminists and critical race theorists.
According to the text by Christman, racism is a set of beliefs, and behavioral tendencies that express or are motivated by negative attitudes toward the members of certain groups, called races, who are “marked” as physically different (Christman, J). When speaking of liberalism, motivated by concerns of race and racism, these components are placed under scrutiny: public political institutions, cultural activities, and distribution of basic goods. The idea of autonomy that is safeguarded by liberalism does not change according to the race of the person. This suggests that the way the autonomy is to be appreciated, can be known without knowing the race of the people involved.
However, some may argue that the cause of freedom for oppressed minorities can be understood by distinguishing the importance of racial identity and also the basic interests of African Americans in fighting injustice. Another critique regarding cultural identity, relies on the principle that black identity is deeply interwoven with ideas of value and meaning for people of color. Liberalism also concerns the function of public institutions and practices. However, racism can occur in society at numerous levels, not just in institutions and practices. For example, the blatant violation of basic rights, such as intentionally denying a person employment because of race or, racially motivated violence. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of racial discrimination takes place outside of the obvious boundaries of laws. This can be seen in how minority citizens are denigrated, avoided, insulted and disparaged.
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Feminists have claimed that thoughts of gender and gender inequalities play a role in the most basic dynamics of social life. Specifically, In the structure of families, defining identities, and opportunities. These inequalities are central to the analysis of social life and political organizations. Feminism is a perspective that puts the viewpoint and needs of women at center stage. In particular, it focuses on the inequalities and injustices that involve women in society (Christman, J). In contrast to liberalism, with its absolute ideologies, feminism is characterized by attention to the ways that women have been treated in society.
Feminism, along with liberal theory, share the obligation to freedom and equality. Several aspects of male dominance in modern cultures, violate basic liberal principles, in the eyes of feminists. The right to privacy has always been seen by liberal theorists as an essential quality of the liberty experienced by all of the citizens in a just society. However, feminists have raised objections to the way this right has been understood (Mill). The feminist’s view the idea of autonomy as being denied in situations of gender related inequalities (Meyers). Domestic responsibilities disproportionately fall to women and therefore they face unequal prospects for the pursuit of a full variety of life styles (Weitzman).
In conclusion, racism and feminism theorists have critiques towards liberalism. As I have defined previously, liberalism is a society that is free and tolerant, with equal opportunities for all members. I also mentioned critiques that feminists had toward this idea, such as that women are in fact not afforded equal opportunities when compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, I mentioned how race theorists are also critical of liberalism, such as how prejudices and racism can prevent people of color from attaining goals that should be achievable for all. Thus, we can see that although through its’ ideas, liberalism sounds to be a perfect model for society, it in fact falls short for certain groups such as women and minorities in offering the equality and justice for all that it promises.
