Progressivism is, at its root, a political approach of contextual pragmatism grounded in a far-ranging vision for the good of the community. There are three basic components to this approach: vision, action and community. Additionally, it is non-ideological (nonpartisan), questioning, and emerging.
Progressives do not follow an empty ideology that paralyzes oneself and abuses the other, as both Liberalism and Conservatism tend to do. It does not establish a right/wrong dichotomy between adversaries, but neither does it take away the theoretical/ philosophical foundation of what one believes to be good and right. For this reason, I prefer to generally refer to "progressives" rather than "progressivism."
Progressives in leadership follow a process similar to this:
- take into consideration a broad range of information and ideas, gathered in part through conversation with persons of diverse opinions who are directly involved in the issues under consideration. Then
- both the feasibility and the motivation of each option are weighed against the values of the leader or leaders in order to
- decide what will best serve the people of the community in that particular place and time.
Progressives are pragmatic because they ask concrete questions. "How exactly will this happen? What is preventing it from happening? What will each portion cost? Who will do what task how and when? Is this practical? Will the work that goes into it be worth the return? Will the people we need to support it be on board? How will all the details work out?"
Progressives are visionary because they ask, "Why are we doing this? What is the purpose of this project, even beyond the immediate return? How will this benefit our community? How has what we have previously done fit with this project? What will the next steps be after this is done? How will this impact the way our community sees ourself? Is this in line with our values and with what is important to us? What is motivating us to do this? How does this fit into the big picture?"
Progressives focus on community because they ask, "What is needed in this/our community? What do the workers and residents and owners and agencies think about this? Who is able to help us? Who is already helping? How can we help our community? How can we help our community help ourselves?"
Progressives ask questions rather than declaring ideology alone. Progressives believe in a different approach to what is possible. Instead of declaring--as do Liberals and Conservatives, "We need (alternative fuel, a new shopping plaza, an inclusive community, etc...) and will fight no matter who gets in the way to get it accomplished!" progressives ask, "What is good for this community, and how can we work together to benefit as many people as possible?"
Progressives are still emerging. I refer to progressives here as "they" rather than "we" because I can't say honestly that this is how I operate in the political arena, or in my own thinking and writing. I strive for this, certainly, but I am coming into this classification of progressivism gradually. I am not always this patient or pragmatic or community-minded; in my ideal view of myself I am these things, but I still have to grow into it--as I think most of us do. This is a new political era we are entering, and we will have to relearn most of what we know of politics and people. Those of us who thought we were already being good tolerant liberals have a long way to go. While progressives typically hold to values of Liberalism, they do not necessarily. Their focus is not on ideology, but on moving their communities forward, together as one people. Those of us who wish to be progressive need to learn these lessons first. If we move ahead without our neighbors, we leave them behind. None of us will progress until we all progress.
For further reading, be sure to check out:
- "What is Progressive?" at AlterNet.
- John Podesta on the difference between liberalism and progressivism (Video) at the Aspen Institute
- Who is progressive? at Center for American Progress Action Fund
- Obama the Visionary Minimalist from The Washington Independent.
- What is Progressivism? at Progressive Living
- Learn about the Progressive Era at Digital History
- Progressive Values at Progressive Richmond-Wayne County, Indiana
Know of a good summary article? Link it in the comments.
Cross-posted at Progressive Richmond-Wayne County, Indiana.
2 comments:
Thank you for this article. I think of myself, as a cultural conservative, yet people with whom I work always called me progressive. I shunned the label for years. You helped me to understand what they meant.
Thanks for writing this, Travis. This is no idle distraction from seminary - this is exactly the sort of questions you are there to grapple with, no?
I really, really like the reminder that progressives are pragmatic and contextual. That has always been my modus operandi, but I haven't articulated that as one of my defining characteristics - but I think I should. Considering context really is part of my theology, so I ought to claim it. Likewise, rooting my actions in what's real and feasible right now, for first steps if not end goals, is also a crucial aspect of my faith. Thank you for putting words to this concept!
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