Hello!

Thanks so much for the kind words and for reading the whole thing!

I agree, of course, that I can’t speak to “what conservatives think” in general.

Generalizing is, generally, a good way to be wrong, in the particular.

But in their beliefs, I’m just using the word as it is defined.

To hold conservative views, to be conservative, is, by definition, about looking backwards, to hold on to, and maintain, into the future, — to conserve — pre-existing values from the past.

Progressive, by definition, means to advocate change from that past, because those values are believed to be unfair, or applied unfairly, to some people. Hence, progressives look forward, believing that things can be better than they were, believing in progress.

con·serv·a·tive

holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation, typically in relation to politics or religion.

pro·gres·sive

a person advocating or implementing social reform or new, liberal ideas.

This is definitely post-hoc but I tried to be clear that there is no cultural conspiracy at work — rather that an analysis of culture indicates how our collective imagination is pointed, which in turn impacts how society decides its fate.

As to politically…well. I guess we’ll see.

Thanks again and happy new year!