What It Means to Be a Conservative
By Jayme Chandler
Modern American culture is undeniably left-leaning. The Left casts its shadow over every aspect of American life, whether you turn on the news, attend a university, flip through a magazine, or log onto Instagram. This omnipresence has led to an intentional misrepresentation of conservatism in American culture and has yielded a fundamental misunderstanding of conservatism by the American populace— notably among younger generations. We’re here to set the record straight. Conservatism is more than casting a vote for the Republican Party. It’s deeper than a marginal tax rate or a deregulatory policy, it’s more profound than a stance on abortion or gun control, and it extends further than any person, politician, or President. Conservatism is a way of life— it’s a nod to American grit, a promise to uphold the Constitution and limit government tyranny, and a devotion towards preserving the American way.
Conservatism is built upon the foundational notion of the power of the individual above the collective. This is not to say that the collective does not matter, or to suggest that conservatives are selfish, but rather to highlight that the building block of a great society is the great individual. This foundation translates to the conservative disdain for big government, which naturally impedes on individual rights and freedoms as it grows. Upholding our Constitution and protecting individual liberty is paramount to the conservative cause. However, the idea of “individualism” is broader than the role of government or the Constitution. Conservatives support “the individual” by advocating for free speech, encouraging civil discourse, and respecting others’ pursuit of happiness. In the same way that an overbearing government limits the rights of its citizens, a mental hive-mind limits the intellectual potential of a population. Conservatives reject mob-mentality, encourage debate, and maintain that while not all ideas may be correct, everyone is entitled to their own beliefs so long as they don’t infringe on the rights of others.
While conservatism principally believes in empowering the mechanisms that allow the individual to thrive, individualism would be nothing without the core American tenets of grit and hard work. Conservatism honors and stands on the shoulders of the fortuitous Americans that built the country we enjoy today. Millions of people immigrated and continue to immigrate to the United States because it is the land of opportunity. It is from this opportunity, that when enabled by the American system, and harnessed by the American spirit, that American greatness is forged. However, where there is a necessity in ensuring equality of opportunity, there is tyranny in ensuring equality of outcome. Conservatives realize that success is never given, but earned by those who have the drive to take it. Conservatives don’t view obstacles as predictive of failure, but as an opportunity for accomplishment, because they believe what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. While there are improvements that can be made, and inequities in opportunity that persist, conservatism wholly rejects the idea of economic predetermination. Conservatives don’t discriminate, they don’t erect barriers to success, or doubt your ability to achieve. Instead, conservatives grant agency to all Americans. Conservatives see themselves as victors, never victims, and seek to approach every challenge with strength, determination, and discipline.
The combination of enabling the individual and the mindset of hard work comes together to form the basis of conservative economic ideology: free-market capitalism. Free-market capitalism is an economic extension of the theory of individualism, and stipulates that economic growth and innovation is a process best left unfettered by the inefficiencies of excessive government regulation. Conservatives praise the free-market economy, as it represents the essence of American liberty, individualism, and ingenuity. While celebrating the endless opportunities America promises, conservatives promote entrepreneurship as a means to realize the American dream. While the Left criticizes inequities and seeks to reform or completely demolish the free-market system, conservatives reject the idea of wealth redistribution both on a moral and practical level. Conservatives highlight the tyranny, not freedom, that follows in the wake of big government. Though natural inequalities exist in every system of government since natural inequalities exist at birth, conservatism argues that the unnatural equalization of outcome is, in fact, an infringement on the rights of the individual. In turn, conservatives believe in the power of the individual, not government, as the driving force behind the American dream.
Though there are differences of opinion within the conservative movement, every sub-sect, from the Religious Right to the “I’m socially liberal, but economically conservative” circle share the common thread of patriotism. Conservatism is the innate belief in American exceptionalism, and the promise to uphold America’s position as the “shining city upon the hill.” It is a sense of pride in the American founding philosophy that “all men are created equal that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The conservative cause is dedicated to preserving these foundational principles, through both the good times and the bad. Through wars abroad and at home, through economic boom and bust, and from social harmony to civil war, it is these unalienable, unchangeable rights and core beliefs that have maintained America’s social fabric. Conservatives understand that this nation’s history has its blemishes and that the principles of equal opportunity and equal rights are not always lived up to. However, conservatism does not abandon American values when the going gets tough, or when problems arise— instead, they turn to our founding principles for guidance.
We live in a time of tremendous political upheaval. However, this country has faced and prevailed against far greater challenges. Change is sometimes necessary, which is why 1/3 of Congress is elected every two years, and why the Constitution has amendments. But social upheaval, an economic downturn, and a rise in neo-Marxist revisionism do not constitute grounds for destroying this great country. America may have its flaws, but its Constitution holds up remarkably well for a 300-year-old document. Unlike what the Left and the media may tell you, conservatism is not about maintaining the status quo. It is about preserving a framework that protects freedom while allowing for a civilly discoursed and agreed upon change. The heart of conservatism is building on the beautiful traditions and age-old philosophies that have empowered Americans to achieve continued greatness since 1776.
Photo via @whitehousehistory
