Can we talk?

Conservative or Liberal

         Words in English may have always had a tendency to change meaning with the times. A blatant example would be "bad". Common usage among the young or "hip" for a while mad "bad" mean really good. "Radical" comes to mind as another word that has altered its meaning and has to be taken into context.

         Other such words include liberal and conservative. I would say that in modern usage, a person could be both at the same time, depending on context. "Liberal" in Thomas Jefferson's day had a different meaning than it does today. And it means different things when used by various groups or people. Like some media use "liberal" to mean leftist, or socialist, or communist. You almost need to stop commentators and ask them to clearly define their terms so that you can follow what they're saying.

         Does liberal have to mean a radical departure from current thought? Does it have to mean an advocate of change (from almost anything)? At one time "liberal arts" meant almost the same as "fine arts" and included all higher learning that wasn't meant for the priesthood or religious training. It included science and math. Now "liberal arts" defines an undesirable and impractical education that will not net one a decent living. Having general knowledge and knowing one's place in the world, including civic duty, is not as important as becoming a well paid individual who will one day make significant financial contributions to one's Alma Mater.

         I don't want to argue what these individual words mean. I have read a lot of commentary lately about these same word choices, their political connotations and historical value. We just need to be clear how we're using them, make sure we understand how others are using them before attacking them. We also need to be sure we're not using good words in a derogatory sense and thereby altering the meaning ourselves.