The Definition Of Liberal In Portland (middle-class, best city, neighborhood)

[Squidlo]

Ok, so I wasn't alone in my thoughts about Portland's "progressive" leanings. I'd felt the image was so much more important than any actual deed on anyones part. Socio-ecomomic position seemed to me to be key no matter what people were saying. Not that Portland doesn't have a base of nice down to earth people. Just not in the majority.



Squidlo

[deegers]

Originally Posted by bobmulk

My impression of liberalism in Portland is driving a hybrid, giving money to a liberal charity, voting liberal and eating organic. It also involves speaking loudly about liberal touchy-feely issues like "diversity", "mass transit", "land planning", "mixed-use development" and "green development". It has nothing whatsoever to do with actually mixing with people of a different ethnic group or race. And it would NEVER entail respecting or associating with someone from a different socio-political stripe.

I think it also involves dismissal of any idea and person that isn't completely liberal or what passes for liberal in Portland. As long as you espouse liberal ideals and really, really, really, REALLY are upset over inequities, then you pass with flying colors the definition of liberal in Portland.

I completely agree with you in this post, however this where I never fully understood liberals in the first place. Eating organic, having hybrids, and interest in green development are things I feel isn't liberal anymore. It's being healthy and wise though at a price unfortunetely. I do all those things and then some, but I'm not considered a liberal by any means. In my opinion, I think the term "liberal" is often overused and abused. It think the term "extremist" is more applicable, but that is just me. I know most conservatives that are far more open minded and willing to get to know people than those extremists who call themselves liberals. Doesn't society claim liberal being more open minded? I find some liberals are just like super conservatives just on the opposite end.

Whoops, I think I'm making this thread more general than specific to Portland, sorry about that!! I guess it would apply there as well though wouldn't it?

[Journey2LS]

Originally Posted by bobmulk

I'm curious as to what the transit police in Boston do with the homeless youth they pick up.

My impression of liberalism in Portland is driving a hybrid, giving money to a liberal charity, voting liberal and eating organic. It also involves speaking loudly about liberal touchy-feely issues like "diversity", "mass transit", "land planning", "mixed-use development" and "green development". It has nothing whatsoever to do with actually mixing with people of a different ethnic group or race. And it would NEVER entail respecting or associating with someone from a different socio-political stripe.

I think it also involves dismissal of any idea and person that isn't completely liberal or what passes for liberal in Portland. As long as you espouse liberal ideals and really, really, really, REALLY are upset over inequities, then you pass with flying colors the definition of liberal in Portland.

I agree with this post. Since I haved lived here I have noticed I don't see a lot of mixing of groups. I have always lived in diverse areas and hung out with all sorts of people and their political leanings never was a factor. It wasnt even something I thought about. Here I have heard people say that they wouldn't hang out with somebody because they didn't recycle. Not exactly the most inclusive people I have ever met.

Here it does seems to be a lot more talk than action. People talk about being open minded and wanting diversity but it is not reflected in their actions. For such a liberal city it seems very segragated and closed minded. Liberal here means only associating with other liberals and then patting each other on the back for being so open minded.

[EnricoV]

I guess it all depends on the people you're talking about. I have friends who run the gamut from very liberal to very conservative. Whether they recycle or not, I haven't the foggiest. But maybe that's because I wouldn't call myself liberal.

[oldtintype]

I think as usual people are choosing to focus on a small group of people and decide everyone who doesn't vote Republican fits under that stereotype.

[karlsch]

Here is a typical Portland liberal idea: replace those noisy gasoline leaf blowers "with a silent, solar-powered leaf blower."

Of course we must not do anything that jeopardizes the illegal immigrants who operate the things: "these are small businesses with largely minority workforces, and I wouldn't want regulations or bans to harm what they do."

The whole story here:
Portland Architecture: Can We End Gas Mowers In Portland? Leaf Blowers?

[oldtintype]

Why is it assumed that "largely minority workforces" automatically consist of illegal aliens?

[One Thousand]

Moderator cut: ..

Portland does have a different type of liberalism. It's very bitter and any opposition is a personal affront.

I honestly believe they exist in a cloud of sorts: They talk the talk, but there's no walk.

(With all due respect. I didn't perceive either as offensive, just normal for Portland.)

[Keeper]

As a reminder this thread is about 'The Definition of Liberal in Portland'..

Please stay on this topic and be civil, no personal attacks, flaming, or insults. We may attack ideas (politely) but we do not attack the speaker of the idea. Be careful with your words, there is a point where being direct crosses a line into blunt, in-your-face hostility. Insulting another member or a moderator will not be tolerated anywhere on this website.

[Mubid]

Not being a "liberal" who lives in Portland the accusations of it being all talk and no action I think is pretty true. Now I think what the issue is that in Portland the far left is the most vocal. They not only I think are out of touch with the rest of the liberals in the United States I think they are rather childish about it.

I'll explain; OK in the subjuect of gay marriage there was a huge hoop la about it when Portland did it. Then it was later voted down and it seems Portlander's have grown bored with the idea and it's no longer talked about at all. Though they will have debates in the papers about if adding a bridge will bring about more global warming because it let more people drive. In Portland if they were not the pioneers in that form of liberalism they wont care for long about it.