How many times have you heard some pompous politician use the term ‘traditional values’? The term is a dog whistle for the ignorant.
“Traditional values” is code for valuing whites above non-whites, men above women and children, and Christians above non-Christians. It goes still further, assuming that some people are inherently “better” or most deserving of privilege and the right even to dominate. It actually asserts that this way of being is mandated by God.
It appears that most people who adhere to “traditional values” also support an authoritarian style of governance, both in the family and in politics, business, and other spheres of life. People who have this worldview are considerably more likely to support Republican candidates than Democratic ones. It’s interesting to note that white male Christians are not the only people who support these “traditional” values.
(medium.com)
Does any of that sound familiar?
It is an policy to obfuscate ‘values’ to equate them with what politicians want this country’s people to believe….they usually have nothing to do with ‘making this country great’.
‘Traditional values’ is for those weak-minded and the ignorant…..it is easier than fleshing out policies and explaining them…..much easier to find a term and stick with it…..even if it is nonsensical.
It is a snake oil that the GOP pushes the more they talk the less coherent they become.
Let’s be honest with ourselves….the whole scam of ‘traditional values’ is nothing more than bigotry.
“Traditional values” is code for valuing whites above non-whites, men above women and children, and Christians above non-Christians. It goes still further, assuming that some people are inherently “better” or most deserving of privilege and the right even to dominate. It actually asserts that this way of being is mandated by God.
It appears that most people who adhere to “traditional values” also support an authoritarian style of governance, both in the family and in politics, business, and other spheres of life. People who have this worldview are considerably more likely to support Republican candidates than Democratic ones. It’s interesting to note that white male Christians are not the only people who support these “traditional” values.
Supporting “traditional values” means, by definition, upholding the status quo. It means attaching a higher value to “leaving things as they are and have been for a long time” than “trying something new” even when “the way things are” is bad. It means also believing that we can’t do better than what we’ve done before, even if that is more an unintended side effect than an explicit intention.
The whole ‘traditional values’ con fits perfectly with the issues and policies of Donny and his band of mental midgets.
It is time for Americans to start looking at the ‘human value’ of policies and issues and leave this cursed bullshit of ‘traditional values’ in a toilet where it belongs.
Turn The Page!
I Read, I Write, You Know
“lego ergo scribo”
Women should be running scared about ‘Traditional values’, as they will suffer most. They need to be reading ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ before it is banned.
Best wishes, Pete.
I agree but sadly American women do not think along those lines….so sad chuq
I must take issue with that huge blanket “American women” which covers a LOT of territory…a bit more specificity, please, and be very very careful =)
American women for too long have sat back and allowed the disasters to happen…..they thought that any equal rights thingy would be forever….they were wrong….women are not alone/…..Dems have done the same they take their eyes off of the prize and then it is gone. chuq
part of that problem is also that too many women are still under the Male thumb: if you ask, they smirk and say, ‘you? You’ve got to be kidding…” if you ask harder, you’re considred a bitch. Throwing a tantrum. They shrug and smirk and that’s the end of that.
I run into that shrug and smirk steadily, and yeah, it’s demeaning. If you see a disaster about to happen, and mention it to a man, he will, in all likelihood look at you as if you were delusional, wink and say, “oh for god’s sake, get a grip”
I know how insensitive and pig headed men can be…..I try to not be so…..chuq
you are one of a rare breed. And it is something that I think is slowly disappearing. Not soon, but eventually. It’s also very hard for men to realize what’s going down, and hard for women to ignore it. now and then I get lucky, and they end up with mud on their face. =)
Too many see women as second class citizens or god forbid [property,,,,I guess old habits die hard. chuq
I like your take on Traditional Values but I would like to offer a little bit more nuanced “Take” with the following —-
I believe the assertion that “traditional values” inherently prioritizes whites over non-whites, men over women and children, and Christians over non-Christians oversimplifies a complex concept and ignores its diverse interpretations.
While some individuals or groups may interpret traditional values in ways that align with hierarchical or exclusionary views, this is not a universal truth. Traditional values, at their core, often emphasize principles like family cohesion, personal responsibility, and moral frameworks that have guided societies across cultures and eras.
These principles do not inherently mandate racial, gender, or religious supremacy, nor do they require a divine mandate. For example, many non-Western cultures uphold traditional values rooted in their own histories, without reference to Christianity or racial hierarchies.
I also believe the claim that supporters of traditional values uniformly favor authoritarian governance is also an over generalization. While some may prefer structured or hierarchical systems in family or politics, others advocate for traditional values like community, mutual respect, or individual liberty, which can align with democratic or egalitarian principles.
Political affiliation, such as support for Republican candidates, may correlate with certain interpretations of traditional values, but this is not evidence of causation. People of varied backgrounds—beyond white male Christians—support traditional values for reasons ranging from cultural heritage to personal conviction, not necessarily to uphold a status quo or dominate others.
Finally, I think that the argument that traditional values inherently resist change or improvement may be a little reductive. Valuing tradition does not preclude adaptation or progress; many who cherish traditional frameworks also embrace reforms that align with their principles. For instance, expanding family-oriented policies or promoting ethical business practices can reflect traditional values while addressing modern challenges.
In my view, the critique assumes a static worldview that dismisses the dynamic ways in which traditions evolve. Rather than being a barrier to progress, traditional values can provide a foundation for thoughtful change, balancing stability with innovation.
In conclusion, while the critique highlights valid concerns about how some may misuse “traditional values” to justify exclusion or stagnation, I think it might paint an overly broad and biased picture. I believe that a more nuanced understanding recognizes the diversity of interpretations and the potential for traditional values to coexist with inclusivity, adaptability, and progress.
It must be simplified because idiots cannot grasp complex ideas or issues…..sorry John but the3 GOP has bastardized the slogan so bad that there cannot be no coexistence. chuq