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Liberalism Debate

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Submitted By vserrecchia
Words 827
Pages 4
Vincent Serrecchia
Professor Cruz
Latino Politics
28 February 2012

Debate Paper #2

According to Webster’s dictionary, the definition of liberalism is as follows, “a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties.” The first known use of liberalism in our society was in 1819, and from then on it has always claimed to stand for the greatest social good. As for liberalism being incompatible with identity politics, I disagree. I believe identity politics is compatible with liberalism. Liberalism is considered democracy free while identity politics focus on the self-interest and perspectives of self-identified groups. My first experience with a Latino politics debate wasn’t exactly positive because it made me nervous knowing I had to express my views towards the question that was assigned to our debate. At the beginning of the debate I was a little nervous to speak my opinion because I felt that I did not know enough about the Latino culture, as well as having a hard time understanding the readings. I was afraid that what I was about to say could come off as offending to some of my fellow classmates and, in defense to that, it would cause another debate. However, after having the opportunity to listen to the first debater give their opinion on the question, I felt more comfortable to speak my opinion without the risk of offending others. Although I was not assigned to take part in the February 20th debate, I took the stance of disagreeing with the question given. Now that I have a better understanding of liberalism and identity politics, I can give my opinion of why I disagree with the debate question. I believe that liberalism and identity politics can be compatible with each other because they seem to

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