LIberals and Conservatives - Essay Example

Liberals vs. Conservatives Liberals and conservatives hold totally different “political philosophies” (Zastrow 8), and this difference has brought about much division in the social and political scenario in the United States (Kendall and Carey). Liberals promote human freedom; while conservatives rely on existing beliefs, values, standards, and institutions. This mini-paper compares and contrasts liberals and conservatives. Liberals talk about human freedom to the point where even unconventional norms, beliefs and values are accepted.

Liberals promote open-mindedness, and accept strange lifestyles which are non-traditional and unacceptable to most of the citizens. They ask the government to treat all individuals on an equal basis, protecting civil liberties and human rights. For example, they ask the government for taxpayer-funded programs that support mothers who want abortions. They support long-term welfare that government provides to the needy. Conservatives, in contrast, do not accept change to traditional way of living.

However, there is a contradiction in their beliefs. For example, they are against government programs that support abortions, because they want to save the unborn lives (Courtwright 5); yet, they are also against government programs that provide prenatal care to single mothers. They are against government funding for the needy, but they support government support for victims of flood and earthquakes. Such illogical beliefs held by conservatives are unacceptable for liberals. In short, liberals and conservatives hold opposite views and beliefs.

Liberals are open-minded, and promote human rights, like abortion and government support for the needy; while, conservatives are narrow-minded, and hold contradictory views which liberals consider as corrupt and evil. Works CitedCourtwright, David T. No Right Turn: Conservative Politics in a Liberal America. USA: Harvard University Press, 2010. Kendall, Willmoore, and George Wescott Carey. Liberalism versus Conservatism: The Continuing Debate in American Government. USA: Van Nostrand, 1966.Zastrow, Charles.

“Liberalism versus Conservatism.” Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare: Empowering People. USA: Cengage Learning, 2009.