The Nation Podcasts White American Liberals, Pt 1 w/ Kevin Schultz | American Prestige
12 snips
May 6, 2025 Kevin Schultz, Chair of the Department of History at UIC and author of 'Why Everyone Hates White Liberals,' delves into the evolution of American liberalism. He discusses the transformation from progressivism to liberalism in the early 20th century and FDR’s strategic use of the term 'liberal.' Schultz highlights the contradictions within white liberalism during the civil rights movement, contrasting it with the rise of the New Left. He also reflects on the complexities of identity politics and the implications of liberal policies on race throughout history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Liberalism's Shifting Meaning Over Time
- Liberalism has a consistent spirit but inconsistent character shaped by who holds power and prevailing issues.
- Over time, liberals became a common target for criticism from the right, left, and center alike.
Core Themes of Liberalism
- Liberalism originates from Latin 'liber' meaning freedom and wrestles with balancing freedom and equality.
- Historically, liberalism combined generosity, broad education, religious tolerance, and political rights.
Why 'Liberal' Was Avoided Early On
- The term 'liberal' did not take hold in early 20th-century America partly because of its association with anti-Catholic sentiment.
- Progressives preferred different terminology to avoid these negative connotations.
