Nov 28 2006

Populism: a Bad Thing?

Published by Shane at 10:27 am under Deepness, Political

I think my lack of Poli Sci credits are showing.

What exactly is it about the word “populist” that easterners consider a bad word? What is wrong with being a populist? If you are not a populist, what does that really mean? I have heard of Preston Manning described as a populist. How was he different from Stephen Harper?

What was it about how one acts as a politician that makes someone a populist? Can someone explain this to me, then explain why the media and liberals (these two aren’t synonyms yet?) think it is a bad thing?

4 Responses to “Populism: a Bad Thing?”

  1. Eric Hamiltonon 28 Nov 2006 at 11:18 am

    1. the political philosophy of the People’s party.
    2. (lowercase) any of various, often antiestablishment or anti-intellectual political movements or philosophies that offer unorthodox solutions or policies and appeal to the common person rather than according with traditional party or partisan ideologies.
    3. (lowercase) grass-roots democracy; working-class activism; egalitarianism.
    4. (lowercase) representation or extolling of the common person, the working class, the underdog, etc.: populism in the arts.

  2. Shaneon 28 Nov 2006 at 11:29 am

    Ok… that is what it means, now why is it a bad thing?

  3. William E. Demerson 28 Nov 2006 at 11:32 am

    The Star will turn any word associated with conservatism into a bad word. I’m surprised you even read that filth; but I suppose we Conservatives need to keep an eye on what the enemy is saying about us.

  4. Deepthinkeron 28 Nov 2006 at 12:35 pm

    The reason why they consider it a bad thing is becasue populim is the oppressed rising up against the elites that are oppressing them and fighting back throguh the same system that they want to change. Why does Ontario hate it? Easilty because they are the elies fighting for control over the ones rising up. Not that hard to understand!