The False Stigma of Libertarian Radicalism

Political factions incessantly accuse the media of a liberal or conservative bias, creating an excuse for a lack of popular support. When one considers the entire realm of political thought, however, it becomes clear that media and society are overwhelmingly dominated by centrism and compromise. Frequently the more reservedly concerned describe their political preferences as "moderate", but one rarely advertises them self as "immoderate".

Radical divergence from mainstream thought carries an inflated and incontrovertibly unjustified stigma similar to those of atheism or illicit activity. Anarchy, perhaps the terminus of Libertarian thought, is frequently associated with the violent revolts and utopian-socialist intentions of its late 19th century campaign. However, the absence of government neccessarily implies no such methodology or ideaology.

Although I have found no satisfactory answer for the media's poor or nonexistant portrayal of third party (including Libertarian) beliefs, the most realistic explanation is that news media corporations operate for profits which are maximized by the creation and distribution of content which favors the opinions of its consumer base. Despite the proclivity of many stations and programs to eschew subjective coverage, all news is unavoidably subjective based on the inclusion or exclusion of content. Choosing to do or not to do a story alone implies the subjectivity of commission/ommission.

Perhaps this is a reflection of the fatuous satisfaction of the American public- one which clearly prefers the acedia of ignorance, conformity and mental shortcuts to the thought required of political participation. It is this same ignorance that misinforms many and ultimately unfairly and innaccurately depicts the politcal viewpoints and and underlying values of radical movements.

Libertarianism in particular is victimized by this pattern. The irrational yet prevalent stigma of radicalism carries connotations of violence, destruction, and chaos. Libertarianism directly reduces violence and destruction through policy agendas, and entails no policies which should induce chaos.

Non-agression is the cornerstone of Libertarian thought, in fact. The only difference between the peaceful priorities of Libertarians and more mainstream peaceniks is that Libertarians hold government to the same standards of civility and ethical behavior as they do individuals.

Ultimately, the Libertarian political philosophy is a casuality of a lackluster PR campaign and a series of unfortunate associations. When considering the movement's actual political agenda, however, one has no choice but to recognize the error of these stigmas and define Libertarianism independent of its fellow radical ideaologies.