CONSERVATISM IS BANKRUPT

Conservatism has no place in the modern world. In whatever form, it causes wars, abandonment of science in favor of superstition, self-aggrandizement instead of empathy, inequality instead of diversity, lore instead of law, oligarchy instead of democracy, and dogma instead of critical thinking, to name a few.

Conservatism, particularly in its modern political form, has become a platform vulnerable to exploitation by those in positions of power. By capitalizing on the fears and insecurities inherent in the conservative mindset, power brokers have found an easy avenue to manipulate public opinion and maintain control. While many conservatives champion tradition and resist change, this very resistance can become a weakness—a tendency that fosters division and stifles progress.

At the heart of conservatism lies a deep-seated fear of the unknown. Change, for the conservative, is unsettling because it challenges the status quo and forces a re-evaluation of long-held beliefs. This fear manifests in various forms—economic, cultural, and social. Economic conservatism clings to systems perpetuating inequality, allowing the rich to prosper while leaving the rest behind. Social conservatism mainly breeds an environment where racial and ethnic disparities thrive. It is not an accident that many conservative circles harbor racist sentiments; fear of losing social and cultural dominance often fuels such prejudice.

Racism and other forms of bigotry become tools for conservatism's power brokers, exploiting division to solidify their control. By keeping the public preoccupied with superficial differences and pitting groups against one another, those in power avoid addressing the systemic inequalities that secure their positions. For conservatives, this appeal to fear creates a false sense of superiority, a way to mask insecurities. In the absence of meaningful change, they are content to feel powerful in comparison to the marginalized, whom they see as threats to their way of life.

The political conservatism we see today is a movement rooted not in virtue but in self-aggrandizement. Conservatives often reject compromise, adopting a bull-headed approach to policy and governance. They quickly resist any initiative that promises equity or social improvement, viewing these efforts as encroachments on their privileges. This inflexibility manifests as an almost childlike obstinance, where any deviation from their rigid ideology is seen as an existential threat.

A hallmark of this intransigence is an unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints. Conservatives often lack the curiosity or empathy to explore different ways of living or governing, which makes them easy targets for manipulation. The lack of self-reflection within their ranks allows power brokers to weaponize their fears and keep them locked into a cycle of opposition and division. In turn, this fosters a culture of bullying, where those who challenge conservative ideals are met with hostility and contempt. The need to assert dominance compensates for their deeper sense of insecurity and inadequacy, revealing the fragility behind their bluster.

The inherent danger in this unyielding stance is the undermining of democracy itself. For a functioning democracy to thrive, compromise is essential. Yet, conservatives increasingly reject the notion of compromise, seeking instead to impose their will without regard for the collective good. This approach threatens the foundations of a pluralistic society, where differing perspectives must coexist to ensure stability and progress.

In conclusion, conservatism, far from being a bastion of virtue, has become a vehicle for those who fear change, harbor racial and social resentments, and are manipulated by power-hungry elites. Rather than engaging in thoughtful discourse or embracing the potential of societal progress, conservatism often retreats into narrow-mindedness and aggression, compensating for its deeper insecurities. Without compromise, empathy, or self-reflection, the conservative movement opposes the principles that allow societies to evolve and thrive.

William James Spriggs