I drove by a house on North Carroll Boulevard next to UNT’s campus a few days ago, and couldn’t help but spot a lovely protest-like sign in someone’s yard. I had been told that a house in the area had a habit of placing controversial signs outside of their yard, but I wasn’t sure that I believed it. Apparently these people sometimes even have blatantly racist and homophobic signs up. They fluctuate so as to not get too boring, and to keep drawing attention. On the sign in the picture, they state “Liberalism: The Party of No—No God; No Truth; No Rules; No Responsibility.” It appears as though there is more written on the sign, but just from what we can see, I believe says plenty.
Within the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lies the Freedom of Speech Clause, permitting behaviors such as this. In the word “liberalism” is defined in the English Oxford Dictionary as, “ Support for or advocacy of individual rights, civil liberties, and reform tending towards individual freedom, democracy, or social equality; liberal left-wing political views and policies; a political and social philosophy based on these principles.”
One might argue that the definition placed up by this bold family is just the opposite of the truth. Others might argue that they are 100% accurate. I happen to be one of the people who believe these things are completely untrue. First of all, just because someone believes in a freedom of individual liberties, does not necessarily mean that they do not believe in God. Even so, bringing God into a situation is always going to cause some controversy due to the differences in opinion of people and their personal beliefs.
Another thing stated on the sign was, “no truth.” If anything, I would argue that liberals promote nothing but truth. The entire point of liberalism is to look at situations from an honest point of view without judgment, and accept morality and ethics. I would say that this “rule of ethics and morale” directly conflicts with the argument the sign states, “No rules.”
This leads into the last visible statement printed on the sign, “No responsibility.” When we think about it, liberalism takes on much more responsibility than one can imagine. Citizens taking it upon themselves to make a change, and be responsible about the decisions they make and the prejudices they hold. In regards to gay rights, most liberals are pro. This is because they take on that responsibility to get a message out that being gay is alright – I feel it is especially tactful and responsible for those who, like myself, are heterosexual themselves. That responsibility is being taken upon ourselves to help others, even though certain matters dealt with won’t directly affect us. I would argue that perhaps being liberal makes a person even more responsible than being overly conservative.
One more thing, with all of the strict rules that Conservatism holds, wouldn’t it make more sense to see a sign that said, “Conservatism—Party of No” ? Just a thought.
Basically, I decided to take this picture and write about it because I wanted to show the close-mindedness that some people hold, and also show the impact that a simple sign outside of a house can hold. I realize that the sign doesn’t necessarily attack anyone, but if those racist and homophobic signs that I’ve heard about do exist, this just shows the extent to which people will go to voice their opinions – some more hurtful than others.
If a simple sign such as this one can cause so much ruckus and controversy, the same thing can be done with anyone, and there’s a point where you just have to take a step back and look at the whole situation. Take a second to think about what your actions have on people, be they hate crimes, finger-pointing, or even just posting a hateful comment under a liberal article that you don’t agree with. There’s a responsible way to approach a situation, and this family simply doesn’t seem to understand that.
Within the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lies the Freedom of Speech Clause, permitting behaviors such as this. In the word “liberalism” is defined in the English Oxford Dictionary as, “ Support for or advocacy of individual rights, civil liberties, and reform tending towards individual freedom, democracy, or social equality; liberal left-wing political views and policies; a political and social philosophy based on these principles.”
One might argue that the definition placed up by this bold family is just the opposite of the truth. Others might argue that they are 100% accurate. I happen to be one of the people who believe these things are completely untrue. First of all, just because someone believes in a freedom of individual liberties, does not necessarily mean that they do not believe in God. Even so, bringing God into a situation is always going to cause some controversy due to the differences in opinion of people and their personal beliefs.
Another thing stated on the sign was, “no truth.” If anything, I would argue that liberals promote nothing but truth. The entire point of liberalism is to look at situations from an honest point of view without judgment, and accept morality and ethics. I would say that this “rule of ethics and morale” directly conflicts with the argument the sign states, “No rules.”
This leads into the last visible statement printed on the sign, “No responsibility.” When we think about it, liberalism takes on much more responsibility than one can imagine. Citizens taking it upon themselves to make a change, and be responsible about the decisions they make and the prejudices they hold. In regards to gay rights, most liberals are pro. This is because they take on that responsibility to get a message out that being gay is alright – I feel it is especially tactful and responsible for those who, like myself, are heterosexual themselves. That responsibility is being taken upon ourselves to help others, even though certain matters dealt with won’t directly affect us. I would argue that perhaps being liberal makes a person even more responsible than being overly conservative.
One more thing, with all of the strict rules that Conservatism holds, wouldn’t it make more sense to see a sign that said, “Conservatism—Party of No” ? Just a thought.
Basically, I decided to take this picture and write about it because I wanted to show the close-mindedness that some people hold, and also show the impact that a simple sign outside of a house can hold. I realize that the sign doesn’t necessarily attack anyone, but if those racist and homophobic signs that I’ve heard about do exist, this just shows the extent to which people will go to voice their opinions – some more hurtful than others.
If a simple sign such as this one can cause so much ruckus and controversy, the same thing can be done with anyone, and there’s a point where you just have to take a step back and look at the whole situation. Take a second to think about what your actions have on people, be they hate crimes, finger-pointing, or even just posting a hateful comment under a liberal article that you don’t agree with. There’s a responsible way to approach a situation, and this family simply doesn’t seem to understand that.
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