Why Left-Leaning Quorans Often Dismiss Conservative Stances as Stupid

The internet is often a battleground for political ideologies, particularly on platforms like Quora, where users from diverse backgrounds and political spectrums gather to discuss and debate. However, there is a recurring phenomenon where left-leaning Quorans dismiss conservative viewpoints as 'dumb,' 'ignorant,' and 'stupid.' This article aims to explore the reasons behind this behavior and the nuances within left-leaning communities on such platforms.

Types of Left-Leaning Quorans

When it comes to the attitudes of left-leaning Quorans towards conservative stances, we can broadly classify them into two categories:

Category A: Center-Left and Progressive Leftists

Firstly, there are those who identify as center-left Social Democrats and progressive liberals. These individuals often adhere to a liberal framework that seeks to maximize social and economic equality. They may not always fully engage in rational discourse with conservatives but are more likely to critically evaluate and sometimes vehemently oppose conservative arguments.

These individuals often:

Prop up straw men by presenting arguments in a distorted manner. Target the worst elements within the conservative community, ignoring the nuances and legitimate arguments of conservative scholars like Edmund Burke and Roger Scruton. Afford to shut down their opponents in rational discourse for the sake of political virtue signaling. Importantly, they are a significant political community that can afford to maintain group cohesion through the ritual reaffirmation of their opposition to conservatives.

Category B: Radical Leftists

Secondly, we have radical leftists who often identify as Marxist-Leninists. These individuals tend to view the center-left establishment negatively and see it as corrupt and rotten, akin to the conservative establishment. Their approach is more pragmatic and strategic:

These individuals:

Recognize that their numbers are smaller and that closing themselves off is not a viable strategy. Understand that isolation would result in a significant net loss for the movement. Engage in discourse with conservative and right-wing communities to convert them and persuade them that the existing system has failed them, not just the center-left establishment but also the right-wing politicians. Often seen in right-wing or even radical right servers, where they are more likely to engage than moderate left-wing counterparts.

Implications and Context

The behavior of left-leaning Quorans dismissing conservative viewpoints as 'dumb,' 'ignorant,' and 'stupid' can be attributed to several factors:

1. Political Identity Validation: For some left-leaning users, dismissing conservative arguments reinforces their sense of identity and solidarity within the left. It also helps in avoiding internal conflicts and maintaining a clear ideological line.

2. Rationalization of Differences: By deeming conservative viewpoints as irrational or ignorant, left-leaning users can rationalize their opinions and avoid the uncomfortable process of engagement and debate.

3. Potential Insularity: The tendency of left-leaning users to dismiss conservative viewpoints can contribute to a broader insularity within the left, which may limit constructive dialogue and cross-pollination of ideas.

Concluding Notes

In conclusion, the dismissal of conservative viewpoints by left-leaning Quorans is a multifaceted issue rooted in political identity, internal cohesion, and strategic considerations. Understanding these dynamics can provide valuable insights into the online political discourse on platforms like Quora. It also underscores the importance of fostering more inclusive and rational discussions that respect diverse perspectives.