Conservatism Quote by Thomas Frank
““Today conservatism has arrived in that dark place. Even as American journalism lurches palpably to the right, the best-selling right-wing media critics go from shrill to shriller, from charges of “bias” to Coulteresque accusations of outright “left-wing indoctrination.” The backlash worldview is less true than ever, and yet conservatives rely on it more and more. It has migrated from the periphery to the very center of the backlash worldview. It is the assertion on which all else rests.””
About This Quote
Source Article: “The Rise of the Backlash” by Thomas Frank, The New Republic, 2023
The quote argues that modern conservatism has become the central narrative of a reactionary worldview, using claims of left-wing indoctrination to justify its position as media shifts rightward.
In simple terms: Conservatism now centers on accusing others of indoctrination.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how narratives can dominate political discourse.
Themes
politics
media
ideology
backlash
conservatism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
media commentary
When to use this quote
- Political commentary
- media analysis
- public debate
- campaign strategy
Key Concepts
Narrative framing
identity politics
media bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling opposition as indoctrination affect dialogue?
- What alternative narratives could challenge this backlash?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overlook genuine ideological differences and overgeneralize.
