Is the left-right spectrum an illusion that harms us? A talk with Hyrum Lewis
Jan 24, 2025
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Hyrum Lewis, a history professor at Brigham Young University and co-author of The Myth of Left and Right, argues that the left-right political spectrum is merely an illusion. He discusses how this flawed framework oversimplifies complex political ideologies, amplifies societal divisions, and misleads discourse. Hyrum also addresses common objections to his views, explores the dangers of rigid political labels, and emphasizes the need for more nuanced conversations to reduce polarization. His insights urge listeners to rethink how we classify and engage in political dialogue.
The left-right political spectrum is an oversimplification that hinders our understanding and dialogue about complex ideological beliefs.
Political polarization creates entrenched tribal identities, diminishing the possibility for nuanced discussions and perpetuating division in society.
Using essentialist language in political discourse exacerbates misunderstandings, emphasizing the need for more precise communication to foster empathy and collaboration.
Deep dives
The Illusion of the Left-Right Spectrum
The concept of the left-right political spectrum is often viewed as a simplistic framework that oversimplifies complex ideologies into a single dimension. This framework perpetuates a notion that political beliefs can be easily categorized as either left or right, leading to misunderstandings and inconsistent applications of these terms. The audience is encouraged to consider the possibility that this spectrum is a communal delusion that not only misrepresents ideological diversity but also hinders meaningful dialogue. Embracing this illusion can create a false sense of division, framing debates as battles between good and evil rather than complex discussions involving a plethora of ideas.
Political Polarization and Tribalism
Political polarization exacerbates divides within society and contributes to an environment of toxicity in discourse, where factions become entrenched in their beliefs. Figures like Donald Trump have been influential in shifting party ideologies, illustrating how rapidly the political landscape can change and how traditional alignments may not hold. The idea that one must be categorized strictly as left or right contributes to tribalism, where individuals are pressured to adopt a singular narrative that may not accurately represent their views. This results in a political atmosphere where nuance and complexity are often sacrificed for a cohesive tribal identity.
The Role of Stories in Political Beliefs
Narratives play a crucial role in shaping political beliefs, as individuals often construct stories around their views that are influenced by their groups or tribes. Any combination of policy positions can be framed within a compelling narrative, allowing for the perception that these beliefs are inherently cohesive. This storytelling aspect highlights how easily opinions can shift with changing contexts and how leaders can shape the direction of public opinion based on their narratives. Recognizing the flexibility of these narratives can lead to a more nuanced understanding of political beliefs, encouraging individuals to see beyond rigid categorizations.
Overcoming the Harmful Effects of Language
The use of polarized language can amplify divides and create an environment where individuals feel compelled to conform to political identities that do not fully capture their beliefs. The authors argue that language shapes our understanding of political issues and that reframing how we communicate can lead to more constructive discourse. By avoiding essentialist terms that reduce complex debates to simple binaries, individuals can focus on specific policies and ideas rather than engaging in blanket assumptions about tribes. This adjustment in language and approach fosters empathy and leads to deeper, more respectful discussions about contentious issues.
The Search for a Better Political Model
Encouraging a granular analysis of political beliefs rather than relying on the simplistic left-right dichotomy opens the door for a more productive dialogue. Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of political positions allows for recognition that individuals can hold diverse views on various issues without being forced into conflicting identities. The need for a more sophisticated framework reflects an understanding that politics is not monolithic and that true engagement requires nuance and flexibility. By disentangling these beliefs, society can move towards a more collaborative and less adversarial political environment.
What if I told you the left-right political spectrum was an illusion? What if I told you there is no “left” or “right”? My guest is Hyrum Lewis, co-author of The Myth of Left and Right: How the Political Spectrum Misleads and Harms America. They argue that we’ve embraced a simplistic, faulty idea of an essential “left/liberalism” and an essential “right/conservatism.” And that, similar to embracing a faulty medical idea (like the old theory of the four humors), embracing a faulty political theory has hurt us in major ways. For one thing, it creates a perception that instead of there being many different issues, there is just a single issue (left versus right) and that choosing the right “team” gains you access to all the right ideas. Embracing that concept in turn amplifies conflict and anger, by making our divides seem like a war between two set and essential ideologies. It makes it easier to embrace a good-versus-bad way of seeing our political divides. Topics include: why Hyrum believes the left-right spectrum is an illusion; common objections to their idea; how persuasive political thinkers have found their idea; the ways in which language and foundational concepts can amplify divides; the horseshoe theory; ways we might speak and write in better ways about our political disagreements, and more.
