Radical or Liberal?
Since the beginning of this year, I’ve radicalized further than I thought was possible. It's subtle, and of course, it’s probably more of a spectrum than an on-off switch, but for me it was the difference in how often I was radical in theory and how often I was radical in practice. It was also related to an overall misunderstanding of my power. Being radical in theory without actions that can back it up is really just liberalism, because radicalism literally requires action.
Anyway, I made a chart for us to use to figure out whether we're operating in liberalism or radicalism. Words, especially the English kind, are not always the most helpful, so take your interpretations how you can, but also be carefully critical of yourself.
| Liberalism | Radicalism |
|---|---|
| Fearful, inactive. | May still include fear, but has the courage to act. |
| Theoretical | Practical |
| Tries to find freedom within current systems/institutions | Operates or aims to operate outside of current systems/institutions |
| The illusion of change | Tangible change |
| Comfortable words & actions | Uncomfortable words & actions |
| Passive | Active |
| Seeks compromise | Seeks justice |
| Enables; makes excuses | Demands; enforces consequences |
| Tries to appease institutions | Refuses to justify institutions |
| Afraid of the unknown | Embracing the unknown |
| Afraid to rock the boat | May be scared, but more afraid not to rock the boat |
| Dying, shrinking the true self and others | Living, strengthening the true self & others |
| Avoidant | Confrontational |
| Hesitant | Ready |
| Safe, low-risk | More dangerous, risks often involved |
| Appeases powerful groups | Protects & prioritizes the most vulnerable |
| Insufficient to create necessary resistance | Enough or more than enough resistance |
| Unwilling to fundamentally change. | Unwilling to fundamentally stay the same. |
I will add to this list as things come to me.
deep river cross over|2025