Very well said. Unfortunately I think this is the most prominent manifestation of a trend seen across many organizations and ideologies to prefer a "smaller and purer" membership over the older ideal of a big tent. When the progressive left does it, however, it is particularly jarring and harmful because they have a disproportionately loud voice in the management of "thought"-orientated areas like arts, education, media, corporate communications and HR policies, etc. (This is a power critique I think the progressive left, of all groups, would appreciate if only they weren't the direct beneficiaries.)
I would love to see all areas of public life - including my own more conservative circles - return to the big tent ideal. But undoubtedly given their influence and power, the left holds a particular civic responsibility to lay off the litmus tests.
Yes, it is a myth and thank you for so beautifully pointing that out. The deeper the insult to all of us, the more they are exposed for who they are! Thank you, David.
Agree with other commenters. Excellent piece. The impact of the “progressive left” is frighteningly powerful because of their institutional control. Seeing so up close during covid, the power of group think, the breezy expressions of virtue signaling, the suspension of reason by smart people was the most disappointing...and alarming. Grateful for your work during those times...with which I guess we are still struggling...
Very well said. Unfortunately I think this is the most prominent manifestation of a trend seen across many organizations and ideologies to prefer a "smaller and purer" membership over the older ideal of a big tent. When the progressive left does it, however, it is particularly jarring and harmful because they have a disproportionately loud voice in the management of "thought"-orientated areas like arts, education, media, corporate communications and HR policies, etc. (This is a power critique I think the progressive left, of all groups, would appreciate if only they weren't the direct beneficiaries.)
I would love to see all areas of public life - including my own more conservative circles - return to the big tent ideal. But undoubtedly given their influence and power, the left holds a particular civic responsibility to lay off the litmus tests.
Yes, it is a myth and thank you for so beautifully pointing that out. The deeper the insult to all of us, the more they are exposed for who they are! Thank you, David.
Agree with other commenters. Excellent piece. The impact of the “progressive left” is frighteningly powerful because of their institutional control. Seeing so up close during covid, the power of group think, the breezy expressions of virtue signaling, the suspension of reason by smart people was the most disappointing...and alarming. Grateful for your work during those times...with which I guess we are still struggling...
I really appreciate this piece, David. Resonates strongly with my experience these past few years. Helpful to see it laid out so well.
And very helpful to see it laid out so well. Am planning to share with some friends who have also questioned my ‘liberal credentials’ of late.