American Prestige E210 - White American Liberals, Pt 1 w/ Kevin Schultz
May 6, 2025
Kevin Schultz, Chair of the Department of History at the University of Illinois Chicago and author of 'Why Everyone Hates White Liberals,' dives deep into the historical complexities of liberalism. He explores how the term has transformed from a symbol of post-WWII prosperity to a source of derision. The discussion touches on FDR's strategic liberalism, the challenges of the civil rights movement, and the ongoing ideological battles that shape American politics, particularly the tensions between liberalism and conservatism.
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The Fluid Nature of Liberalism
- Liberalism's meaning is ever-changing, shaped by power holders and societal pressures.
- It pivots on the tension between individual freedom and equality, a core struggle over 250 years.
FDR's Strategic Use of "Liberal"
- FDR adopted "liberal" in 1932 mainly as a marketing tool for the New Deal reforms.
- He avoided "socialism" due to its negative political connotations among middle-class Americans.
Whiteness in New Deal Liberalism
- The New Deal was racially exclusionary, compromising on segregation to maintain Southern political support.
- 'White liberalism' describes this era's racial politics before civil rights pressures surfaced.
