White American Liberals, Pt 1 w/ Kevin Schultz | American Prestige
May 6, 2025
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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.
The podcast examines the evolution of liberalism, highlighting its transition from an esteemed ideology to one perceived as a liability in recent decades.
Historically, white liberals, while pivotal in civil rights legislation, faced critiques for their perceived failure to genuinely address Black activists' urgent demands.
FDR’s strategic use of the term 'liberal' during the New Deal illustrates how political branding can adapt to societal needs and economic challenges.
Deep dives
The Rise of Political Polarization
The podcast discusses the heightened political polarization in the United States, noting its exacerbation over the past two decades, particularly from 2015 onward. It highlights how Donald Trump's campaign effectively consolidated various factions of the Republican Party, uniting them around a shared anti-liberal sentiment. Historically, liberalism was once esteemed, credited with significant accomplishments such as winning World War II and building a robust middle class. The discussion raises questions about the evolution of the word 'liberal,' which has transitioned from a term of respect to a political liability, pointing to a complex and often contentious relationship with its definition and perception.
Defining Liberalism: A Historical Perspective
The podcast elaborates on the historical roots and evolution of liberalism, tracing its philosophical origins back to key figures like John Locke and Montesquieu. It emphasizes that liberalism has continuously adapted over time, reflecting varying societal demands and political dynamics. The speaker notes that unlike other ideologies, liberalism has struggled to establish a strictly defined core, often blending themes of freedom and equality. The complexity inherent in defining liberalism showcases its protean nature and the ongoing debates among scholars concerning its foundational principles.
The Transformation of Liberalism in the 20th Century
Investigating how the term 'liberal' gained traction in America, the podcast delves into Franklin D. Roosevelt's strategic use of the word during the New Deal era. Roosevelt utilized 'liberalism' not only as a marketing tool to garner support but as a way to convey a vision that would safeguard capitalism through government regulation. The discussion points out that liberalism's evolution in this context allowed it to adapt to the needs of an economy recovering from the Great Depression. Furthermore, this moment in history marked a shift in the political landscape, setting the stage for future debates about the role of government in American life.
The Emergence of the White Liberal Critique
The podcast points out the significant critiques by civil rights leaders regarding the role of white liberals in the 1960s, particularly examining figures like James Baldwin, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X. These leaders articulated frustrations with white liberals who, despite advocating for civil rights, often failed to recognize the urgency and depth of the demands from Black activists. The discussion highlights that while white liberals contributed to significant civil rights legislation, their perceived lack of commitment often alienated them from more radical elements within the civil rights movement. This disconnect showcases a growing rift where the white liberal identity began to be viewed skeptically by some within the Black community.
Liberalism and its Challenges in Contemporary Politics
The podcast concludes by addressing the contemporary challenges faced by liberalism, particularly in how it accommodates various critiques and movements. It suggests that while historically liberalism has shown an ability to adapt and integrate new ideas, today's political climate has seen significant fragmentation. The discussion emphasizes that liberals in today's landscape struggle with branding and identity, leading to hesitations in reclaiming the term. Moreover, as political dynamics continue to shift, the podcast poses critical questions about the future of liberalism amidst increasing polarization and changing societal values.
Kevin Schultz, Chair of the Department of History at the University of Illinois Chicago, joins the program to talk about his new bookWhy Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals): A History. In this first part of the discussion, they get into liberalism’s consistent spirit yet inconsistent character, the transition from progressivism to liberalism in America in the early 20th century, FDR’s use of the word “liberal” as a sort of marketing tool, the height of the “white liberal,” William F. Buckley and the modern American conservative movement, the New Left’s opposition to “the liberal order,” the perception of white liberals in the civil rights movement, and more.
