Let's take back our label of Liberal

[Mynameissalvatore]

I was at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge MA the other day and remembered that Rockwell was a liberal. I was amazed to think that his paintings our the symbol for America that everybody identifies with. Liberals and conservatives alike. So why is it then that we are called anti-American? Why is that our ideals are so evil in the minds of conservatives? We essentially want the same things. A strong economy. To be prosperous, free, safe and a beacon to people all over the world. How did we let that get taken from us?
I think we need to advertise.
There are ads on TV to eat cheese from Californian cows. To eat beef. To travel to Jamaica and so on. Why not put out ads on TV about what it is to be liberal. That way we are the ones framing who we are and how we define ourselves instead of idiots like Hannity and Rush.
We could use Rockwell as a perfect example because he would resonate with a large bulk of the population.
I have no idea how to do this. This is something that just came to me minutes ago. Any ideas would help. How to go about this from the ground up would be awesome so either post to this message or pm me with any thoughts on this.

[snowbear]

1. Labels... we don't need no stinkin labels...

[StoryTeller]

2. Little things can make a difference, too

I don't know about how to do ads or anything, but I know that one thing that can help is to start using the word Liberal and then defending it when necessary.

I was at a conference recently and was chatting with a friend of mine who is very conservative. I mentioned that I had just met another woman at the conference who shared my liberal viewpoint. My conservative friend rather snarkily said, "I'm sorry!"

I looked her in the eye and said, "I'm not!"

She seemed startled that I pushed back a bit, and the subject quickly got changed. But she knows me and my value system and how I live my life, so hopefully the knowledge that I am also a liberal will help her rethink the stereotypes she has about what that means.

Of course, it also helps that I tend to be surrounded by conservative Christians, am a stay-at-home mom, home school, and live in the red midwest. I don't fit their stereotypes of a "liberal." :)

[Mynameissalvatore]

4. I do believe in leading by example for the benefit of people close to us,

but most people in this country will just think that you are one of the good ones.
I heard that phrase a lot when a black family moved into my neighborhood when I was a kid. "Well, I don't mind them moving next door. They're some of the good ones"
That might just be how they feel about having you, their token liberal, around.
We need to reach out to the majority of the population that only hear what Coulter says about us and will think they know that you are not the way the right wing big mouths say, but the rest of us are.

[unschooler]

6. "Push back" and "don't fit their stereotypes" are the keys

Good job, StoryTeller.

[OwnedByFerrets]

3. My answer to your questions can be one word:

REAGAN

[Mynameissalvatore]

5. I don't get it n/t

[OwnedByFerrets]

7. You asked......

"So why is it then that we are called anti-American? Why is that our ideals are so evil in the minds of conservatives? We essentially want the same things. A strong economy. To be prosperous, free, safe and a beacon to people all over the world. How did we let that get taken from us?"

My answer was Reagan. It is his fault that we are vilefied with all those negative connotations. He began the campaign and because he was seen as a trustworthy, grandfatherly figure, it worked hook, line and sinker. Liberal has been a dirty word ever since.

[Mynameissalvatore]

9. He might have set the ball in motion

but it wasn't like it is now. He could at least work with liberals like Tip O'Neill.
He also didn't have the noise machine we have now with Fox News and Rush and the list of all the other loud mouth pundits. And the media then was actually liberal back then. But, yes, you're right he helped make it a dirty word. Even Nixon had some liberal qualities. I mean compared to the conservatives now, anyway.

[dajoki]

8. Agreed!!

[dajoki]

10. Liberal and PROUD!!

http://www.answers.com/liberal&r=67

lib·er·al (lĭb'ər-əl, lĭb'rəl)
adj.

Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of liberalism.
Liberal Of, designating, or characteristic of a political party founded on or associated with principles of social and political liberalism, especially in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States.

Tending to give freely; generous: a liberal benefactor.
Generous in amount; ample: a liberal serving of potatoes.
Not strict or literal; loose or approximate: a liberal translation.
Of, relating to, or based on the traditional arts and sciences of a college or university curriculum: a liberal education.

SYNONYMS liberal, bounteous, bountiful, freehanded, generous, handsome, munificent, openhanded. These adjectives mean willing or marked by a willingness to give unstintingly: a liberal backer of the arts; a bounteous feast; bountiful compliments; a freehanded host; a generous donation; a handsome offer; a munificent gift; fond and openhanded grandparents. See also synonyms at broad-minded.
ANTONYM stingy

[Arugula Latte]

11. I've recently seen a few "Liberal and Proud" stickers or variations

One was at a campground in central Oregon during the summer. I rolled down my window and told the people I liked their sticker. They struck up a conversation (and man, they liked to chat ... ;) )

I think those bumperstickers are great and I'm considering getting one. I think advertising the term liberal in a positive way is one of the first steps to taking it back.