by Dani Ajonu
The victory of Donald Trump in the US election felt like a cyclone of “populism” sweeping across the world. This was the latest in a series of outcomes contrary to the perceived popular opinion, in what seems to be a gradual rise of “Conservatism” that has stunned much of the Left who we can argue control significant segments of the establishment that include Government, Media, Academia, so-called Technocrats and even Business. This “Quasi-Progressivist” movement, appearing to be collapsing under the weight of its own delusion and hypocrisy, would do well reinvent itself at this point in time.
From the UK general election in 2015, where polls suggested a hung parliament only for the Conservative Party to win an absolute majority beyond anyone’s wildest imagination to the EU referendum, which I argue was the result of an attempt by the Conservative party to stem the rise of UKIP that had progressively hemorrhaged the party including losing 2 members of the backbench to UKIP, the polling were off the mark from the eventual outcome. The result of the US presidential election quintessentially followed this trend.
I have reflected on this and I am of the opinion that much of the Left are of guilty 3 major errors:
First, is the fatal disconnect between the Left and what it claims to represent- Social Liberalism- in its ideal and truest form. Liberalism as a political doctrine speaks of the need for freedom of the individual and the need to enhance and protect this freedom. On the other hand, Socialism speaks of the equality of all, commonality and the need to safeguard the interest of the weak in guaranteeing their equality. However, it is my opinion that the Left have long departed from the core of these ideals. They have been incapable of blending and presenting these two philosophies into a coherent and consistent representation of their movement. They have in an authoritarian manner moved to place a set value and rights above others. We have seen an increasingly worrying attempt to suppress people’s freedom of conscience, beliefs, expression and values because it is at variance with a section of society. The weak and voiceless in the society at every stage of life are constantly threatened, attacked and in danger of extermination by the Leftist dominated establishment.
Secondly, style of the debate from most of the Left appear arrogant, condescending and demeaning. They assume they know what is best for society and simply attempt to force it on everyone irrespective of contrary evidence. It is common to hear Leftist refer to Brexit and Trump supporters as ‘bigots’,’ racists’, ‘fascist’,’ xenophobes’,’ homophobes’, ‘Islamophobes’, ‘misogynist’, ‘bullies’ and so on. I find it tiresome and intellectually lazy. They simply pass on the opportunity to lay a coherent argument on issues that a lot of people genuinely feel have negatively impacted on their livelihood such as “uncontrolled immigration”, “unfettered globalization”, “lopsided trade deals”, “terrorism”, et al, but are instead happy to tag them with characterizations. This in my opinion appears to be an attempt to shut down any form of reasonable debate for lack of an appropriate counter narrative that speaks to the issue. This pseudo-intellectual and pretentiously elitist style of dishing out these labels at opponents is unintelligent and the “ordinary people” are simply not buying it any longer and contrary to what so called progressives might think people not stupid either.
Finally, it’s the hypocrisy of the Left, I find most fascinating. The ease at which they change positions that is contrary to what they had previously argued against is astonishing. A good example was when Trump was criticized for refusing to state he would accept the outcome of the result to all of a sudden praising Clinton supporters for exercising the “First Amendment Rights”.
In this wave of Conservatism that is sweeping throughout the world, France appears to be a fascinating place to watch as Marine Le Pen and her National Front party steadily rises in the political space. I think her chances appear slim given France’s two tier presidential election voting system that might see her losing out in the second round of voting in next year’s election, it will be interesting to follow no matter the outcome.
In concluding, I would suggest that this might be the best time for the Left to do some soul searching. The importance of the fall of Leftism cannot be overstated because it gives them the opportunity to truly reflect on the consequence of its actions over the decades and seek a return to the true ideals of social liberalism.
Op–ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija
Dani Ajonu tweets @dove600
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