Definition of LIBERAL from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liberal

1

a: of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts <liberal education>

barchaic: of or befitting a man of free birth

2

a: marked by generosity : openhanded <a liberal giver>

b: given or provided in a generous and openhanded way <a liberal meal>

c: ample, full

3

obsolete: lacking moral restraint : licentious

4

: not literal or strict : loose <a liberal translation>

5

: broad-minded; especially: not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms

6

a: of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism

bcapitalized: of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism; especially: of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives

        In dealing with the political realm, there are many misconceptions and much slander against those who label themselves as “Liberals”. Let’s take the definition of the word alone and examine why the negative connotations have arisen and how we can combat the future generations from falling victim to the nay saying of ignorant others.

        Based on the first definition: “relating to, or based on liberal arts”: How can that be a bad thing? The emphasis on Liberal Arts in higher education is astounding. Modern day companies seek out those who have Liberal Arts degrees for their level of skill in so many areas. Those who graduate with these degrees are often labeled “well rounded” in their education and skill sets. They may not be minutely skilled in one task, but have the ability to change and adapt. Likewise, the second part of the first given definition: “befitting a man of free birth”, where is the negative connotation in that? Being free has been looked upon by history as the greatest gift of American culture. Yet, being a Liberal comes with the negative connotation that the fight for freedom and possession of well roundedness of education are bad.

a: marked by generosity : openhanded <a liberal giver>

b: given or provided in a generous and openhanded way

        Following suite, we come to the second definition given: “marked by generosity”. The term itself is defined by the basis of plethora, many, plural…thus, we can state that the ideas of the Liberals are generous and progressive in attempting to maintain the freedom that we deserve in respect to our individual rights.  

obsolete: lacking moral restraint : licentious

        In respect to the third given definition of “lacking moral restraint”: we start to see the degradation of Liberals as a group. Liberals are not people who lack moral restraint; they are not cold blooded killers. Liberals have moral integrity, but the morals they uphold are on a more personal, individualized plane. Liberals are often not swayed or do not adhere to the rigid morals imposed upon society by religious institutions and governmental institutions alike. They simply want freedom to uphold their personal morals and will think outside of the contemporary box to maintain that freedom in the economic and political realms.

not literal or strict : loose <a liberal translation>

        This fourth definition is very simple to expand upon. Liberals are “not strict” they are “loose” in the acquisition of ideas that will bring forth political change or those that will foster freedom. Liberals are those who are open-minded and willing to work for change. Liberals may work best in a “loose” or lax based environment: one in which they must uphold their personal morals and integrity without feeling the hand of authority looming above them.

: broad-minded; especially: not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms

        How can the fifth definition be misconstrued? Liberals are people who are “not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms”. These are the free thinkers, those who fight for freedom and do not wish to be cookie cutter members of a society. As Americans we are supposed to be granted freedom and not feel the need to adhere to dictatorship style authority. Liberals are those who uphold the fight for freedom no matter what authoritarian system is attempting to stop the progression of thought and implement a cookie cutter form that they want us to adhere to.

 a: of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism

bcapitalized: of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism; especially: of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives

        Last, we come to definition number six. We finally have a definition that is aimed in a political light. Liberals have “ideals of individual economic freedom and individual participation in government”. What is so terrible about that? Liberals are people who want the freedom to control their own destiny in the political and economic realms. They want to be active participants in the world around them.