Why are big metros typically Liberal? (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

I have lived in Miami/Ft Laud, Tampa/St Pete, LA/Santa Monica, and by and large most of the bigger cities are Liberal. Why is that? I feel like I have some opinions on why that is but I am interested in why you all might think this is true.

And if the reasons we find for these big cities being by and large Liberal or DNC or Left...what does that say about the rest of the country that doesn't live in these places? Is Liberalism a by-product of sorts of living in these cities where there is typically a melting pot of people?

Is Liberalism really a good thing for Americans? When Ted Cruz was attacking NYC, was he really attacking something larger? I think Cruz was an idiot for attacking NYC specifically...notice how I framed that please.

There is a disconnect between a lot of folks who don't live in big metro areas. Why do folks move away from big metros? I know why my folks moved from Miami to Ft Laud/Hollywood in 1977 after only 4-5 yrs in Miami. I'm curious if we are dancing around the real issues and why certain candidates are bringing folks out we have not heard form in a long time if ever.

 

[Bucky86]

Education?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I thought you were talking about metrosexuals.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I thought you were talking about metrosexuals.

But no

 

[Ilov80s]

This isn't a new thing either. It's one of the reasons the Renaissance started in Italy and not England.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Education?

So folks in metros have no education? That's not what you are saying, I know.

How about the education itself? Instead of saying lack of education which makes us all sound like bigots, let's say that the education that many of these folks do have is questionable. That sound pretty bigoted as well.

I agree that the education many receive there is riddled and filled with a lot of victimization by someone teaching who thinks of themselves as a victim in life. We have to get precise about what we are discussing here. And it pains me as a teacher but I also know it to be true from fellow teachers. We have had almost 25 of our starting 50 teachers quit since the beginning of the year. We didn't have any at the last school I taught at.

I did teach in Miami but it was at the beach. I never got into big details but I actually took my kids out to the beach a couple times, we walked one block over from the public school. Now I teach in the inner city sections of West Palm Beach, it's amazing what these kids believe before they come to me.

 

[sublimeone]

Some of the primary reasons:

a. greater minority population

b. average age is younger

c. metro areas tend to have more people living 'alternative lifestyles'

d. because it's easier for liberals to get elected in metro areas and harder for conservatives you see better left-wing candidates and weaker right-wing.

 

[FUBAR]

Many people who live in large areas are poor, or at least live around poor people.

That influences their world view, as would living around wealthier people.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

This isn't a new thing either. It's one of the reasons the Renaissance started in Italy and not England.

I thought the reason was they had the market cornered on artists and sculptors.

 

[Ilov80s]

More diverse population exposes people to a wide array of ideas and more open to new ideas in the future.

 

[hagmania]

This isn't a new thing either. It's one of the reasons the Renaissance started in Italy and not England.

I thought the reason was they had the market cornered on artists and sculptors.

Pretty sure it had to do with a humanist movement funded in part by a very wealthy family.

This is making me dumber.

 

[Scoresman]

All the Conservatives flee to the boonies out of shame for their racist/homophobic/xenophobic beliefs.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

That's easy and as old as cities. More people, less space, fewer resources per capita, all mean there's more pressure and need for government coordination.

 

[matuski]

When did MOP become a teacher?

Sure as hell wasn't before he left.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Some of the primary reasons:

a. greater minority population

b. average age is younger

c. metro areas tend to have more people living 'alternative lifestyles'

d. because it's easier for liberals to get elected in metro areas and harder for conservatives you see better left-wing candidates and weaker right-wing.

Many people who live in large areas are poor, or at least live around poor people.

That influences their world view, as would living around wealthier people.

Good posts. There are lots of reasons but these are good ones.

 

[Skoo]

Because Democrats support programs for the middle and lower class, and they are much more progressive on social issues.

People that live in cities are generally far more progressive on social issues, as they are surrounded by all different types of people as opposed to someone living in a small town in Nebraska.

And as for the Education post above, Democrats support funding for education, and that funding is most-needed in large cities.

 

[MattFancy]

More diverse population exposes people to a wide array of ideas and more open to new ideas in the future.

Definitely this. When you spread further out into the suburbs, you see more and more like people grouped together. They all more or less have the same ideals, beliefs, needs, etc. But in the big cities, you get people from all walks of life, different backgrounds, different ethnicities, different classes, etc.

 

[jonessed]

People move out of cities to get space and freedom. It makes sense that those same people would value those aspects of life over the convenience and energy that big cities bring.

People focus on urban and rural but suburbs are often more conservative than the adjoining big city. The farther out you move, the more independent you are likely to become.

 

[The General]

More diverse. You are exposed to more of everything across the spectrum, races, cultures, education levels, affluence, poverty, etc.

 

[Skoo]

Is Liberalism really a good thing for Americans? When Ted Cruz was attacking NYC, was he really attacking something larger? I think Cruz was an idiot for attacking NYC specifically...notice how I framed that please.

Yes, he is attacking something larger. He is attacking those of us that live in the Northeast and in big cities, as the GOP has framed us as not having the same "family values" as those in the flyover states.

It's completely ridiculous and insulting, but obviously it works.

What people say about there being "Two Americas" is kind of true, unfortunately.

To me, the fact that people are still railing against Gay Marriage and Climate Change is just baffling, because I live in a progressive area and am surrounded by progressive people.

I'm sure folks from small towns thing the same thing about us. Everyone they know is against gay marriage and climate change, so it seems insane to them that so many of us from metro areas support them.

*Yes, I am making generalizations about "everyone" being for or against an issue. Just trying to make a point.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

All the Conservatives flee to the boonies out of shame for their racist/homophobic/xenophobic beliefs.

I like the post although it is not true. I think a lot of folks just simply feel like they are not the majority and feel like they won't be accepted for their views even though they are maligned as not being open minded so they find peace and tranquility away from the noise and crazy.

I was roasted in Los Angeles and labeled as a "Staunch Republican" in my wife's circles at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl when we lived out there. We were not invited along with other GOP labeled folks to certain events where most other staff were sent invites. I'm not kidding, I never experienced hatred and racism stronger than being on the receiving end of a California Liberal rant.

And of course the minute I moved back to Florida I am labeled a Progressive Democrat. I've seen it all and if not I've experienced both sides. I think very few in life try to experience what both sides are doing. Once people have an opinion or their mind made up, that's it.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

When did MOP become a teacher?

Sure as hell wasn't before he left.

Most think I'm still not so don't worry.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

People move out of cities to get space and freedom. It makes sense that those same people would value those aspects of life over the convenience and energy that big cities bring.

People focus on urban and rural but suburbs are often more conservative than the adjoining big city. The farther out you move, the more independent you are likely to become.

Suburbs are good for this discussion.

 

[cstu]

Some of the primary reasons:

d. because it's easier for liberals to get elected in metro areas and harder for conservatives you see better left-wing candidates and weaker right-wing.

Never really thought about this but Alabama is the last place any decent liberal candidate would want to run.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

 

[Ditka Butkus]

More diverse population exposes people to a wide array of ideas and more open to new ideas in the future.

this

 

[TripItUp]

Two major reasons:

1) minorities want handouts and large cities tend to have a lot of minorities

2) the ultra educated tend to migrate to large cities and are completely disconnected with reality and have white guilt

What do I win?

 

[TripItUp]

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

A) White people are afraid of change and want to maintain the status quo, white people dominate rural regions

B) Rural people tend be more religous

C) Rural people love them some guns

D) republican policy tends to favor agriculture, which is obviously more prevalent in rural regions

What do I win?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

More diverse. You are exposed to more of everything across the spectrum, races, cultures, education levels, affluence, poverty, etc.

OK, but then I feel with all this exposure over the years to it General that some of the traditional bad things uttered about many are in fact partially true. I saw it with my own eyes and ears.

 

[Ditka Butkus]

#2

 

[sublimeone]

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

more family oriented, religious, self-reliant, traditional.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Priorities differ between people living in cities and the suburbs.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

That's next week. Let's deal with the actual topic. NYC was where many passed thru who came here going back to 1624.

 

[Skoo]

More diverse. You are exposed to more of everything across the spectrum, races, cultures, education levels, affluence, poverty, etc.

OK, but then I feel with all this exposure over the years to it General that some of the traditional bad things uttered about many are in fact partially true. I saw it with my own eyes and ears.

Once again, in English?

 

[TripItUp]

I have immediate family in both so I've pretty much got this one locked down

 

[cstu]

Is Liberalism really a good thing for Americans?

Would you rather have the politics of the 1950's? Because it wasn't conservatives who changed things.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Two major reasons:

1) minorities want handouts and large cities tend to have a lot of minorities

2) the ultra educated tend to migrate to large cities and are largely are completely disconnected with reality and have white guilt

What do I win?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

more family oriented, religious, self-reliant, traditional.

Excellent job of summing things up. My question is then this. What's wrong with being any of those things you just listed?

I say this because when a GOP candidate is mentioned we hear racist/bigot.

Is being family oriented, self-reliant and traditional, is that now a mask for racism and bigotry in this country? Because that is what the other side seems to be pushing right now.

 

[urbanhack]

Two major reasons:

1) minorities want handouts and large cities tend to have a lot of minorities

2) the ultra educated tend to migrate to large cities and are completely disconnected with reality and have white guilt

What do I win?

Free 30 day trial at Stormfront?

 

[urbanhack]

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

more family oriented, religious, self-reliant, traditional.

Excellent job of summing things up. My question is then this. What's wrong with being any of those things you just listed?

You just summed up Latino communities in the big city.

 

[cstu]

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

I didn't grow up in a rural area but I knew plenty who did and attribute most of it to one thing - powerful social control. In small towns you can't afford to stick out or you'll be ostracized so most people don't go out of their way to buck the norm. The funny thing is that once people are out of their small town and feel free to question things and express their opinions their beliefs can change rapidly.

 

[TripItUp]

Two major reasons:

1) minorities want handouts and large cities tend to have a lot of minorities

2) the ultra educated tend to migrate to large cities and are largely are completely disconnected with reality and have white guilt

What do I win?

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

more family oriented, religious, self-reliant, traditional.

Excellent job of summing things up. My question is then this. What's wrong with being any of those things you just listed?

I say this because when a GOP candidate is mentioned we hear racist/bigot.

Is being family oriented, self-reliant and traditional, is that now a mask for racism and bigotry in this country? Because that is what the other side seems to be pushing right now.

Several problems

1) there is a separation between church and state philosophy in this cournty that a lot of people care about

2) "traditions" are not necessarily good, see slavery

3) "Self reliance" is a lot easier if you are a white male

There's a lot more, but you are oversimplifying, sooooooo

 

[PIK95]

More colleges and generally higher intelligence.

 

[The General]

More diverse. You are exposed to more of everything across the spectrum, races, cultures, education levels, affluence, poverty, etc.

OK, but then I feel with all this exposure over the years to it General that some of the traditional bad things uttered about many are in fact partially true. I saw it with my own eyes and ears.

I am not following.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

more family oriented, religious, self-reliant, traditional.

Excellent job of summing things up. My question is then this. What's wrong with being any of those things you just listed?

You just summed up Latino communities in the big city.

mild blown!



(must be your urban background that lets you see things this way...)

 

[cstu]

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

more family oriented, religious, self-reliant, traditional.

Excellent job of summing things up. My question is then this. What's wrong with being any of those things you just listed?

I say this because when a GOP candidate is mentioned we hear racist/bigot.

Is being family oriented, self-reliant and traditional, is that now a mask for racism and bigotry in this country? Because that is what the other side seems to be pushing right now.

Family oriented = don't embarrass your family

Religious = don't question things too much

Self-reliant = look down upon those who aren't and call them lazy even if they haven't been taught the same skills you have

Traditional = white people marry white people and gay don't get married. You certainly don't smoke the wacky tobacky.

 

[jonessed]

More diverse. You are exposed to more of everything across the spectrum, races, cultures, education levels, affluence, poverty, etc.

OK, but then I feel with all this exposure over the years to it General that some of the traditional bad things uttered about many are in fact partially true. I saw it with my own eyes and ears.

People in big cities can be just as obtuse and closed-minded as those outside. I've experienced more multi-culturalisn in suburbs than I have cities. I suspect this is at least in part due to living in CA, but I don't know for sure. Cities can be very segregated. You can have poor and rich, black and white, in close proximity but there are often clear dilineations in how and where they interact.

Suburbs have fewer poor and minorities, but those that are there actually interact as neighbors and share common community goals.

People in cities are also often disconnected from natural resources and what it takes to harness those resources to maintain the cities they live in.

 

[TripItUp]

Two major reasons:

1) minorities want handouts and large cities tend to have a lot of minorities

2) the ultra educated tend to migrate to large cities and are completely disconnected with reality and have white guilt

What do I win?

Free 30 day trial at Stormfront?

I have no idea what that is, but I've lived in the 4 largest metro areas in this country...and you likely have not.

 

[Cjw_55106]

More colleges and generally higher intelligence book learnin.

 

[sublimeone]

Ask it the other way. Why are rural areas conservative?

more family oriented, religious, self-reliant, traditional.

Excellent job of summing things up. My question is then this. What's wrong with being any of those things you just listed?

I say this because when a GOP candidate is mentioned we hear racist/bigot.

Is being family oriented, self-reliant and traditional, is that now a mask for racism and bigotry in this country? Because that is what the other side seems to be pushing right now.

There's nothing wrong with those things listed.

Liberalism has taken a nasty turn in the last decade or so. The left, as a movement, has found it much easier to convince low information voters that republicans are horrible nasty people and that you should vote against them... and since they are completely devoid of traditional morals they have no problem doing this