During this campaign, I have heard multiple times, the standard saying, that "Liberals are idealists." In some respect, I agree. Liberals may have the notion that progress and equality in this country is totally achievable, while conservatives may think that, realistically, there are only so many "pieces of the pie" and that some people are going to be left out.
Because I am more of a realist, borderline pessimist, I always felt uncomfortable being called an idealist (being a liberal), because it did not fit into my personal schema.
I have always believed that through the years, people will, on the whole, remain the same. Their personality and lifestyle may be tweaked a little bit, but unless devastation strikes, they will probably remain the same person they were the day they were born.
I believe the conservative belief of upward mobility (the ability to move from a lower social class to a higher one, through hard work) is completely unrealistic, and QUITE idealistic on an indivudual level. Sad to say, but the lifestyle you are born into is probably the one you will be in for the rest of your life.
We are bombarded by celebrities like Oprah, who started off dirt poor, and now is one of the richest people in the world. While her story of hard work and dedication to her goals is heart warming and inspiring, it is safe to say that it is pretty much impossible for the rest of us. Sure, there are those great stories of people starting off small and working hard for their dreams, but in reality, and in this country, it's pure fiction.
Working hard might bring you satisfaction, food on the table, and the roof over your family's head, but the belief that working hard will allow all your dreams to come true, is truly idealistic.
This was just on my mind while I was blow drying my hair.
