Let's be honest. The left, with the help of pop culture and the media have been very successful in painting the Republican party this way, and there are plenty of people out there who think well of themselves because they are voting for the ‘modern’, compassionate, well-reasoned, science-based/fact-based, ‘moderate’ democrats.
These characterizations are, of course, absolute garbage, but they are entrenched. We have to turn the tables on the left and re-characterize the Republican party as the most well-reasoned, science-based, compassionate, progressive etc. etc. party (progressive is not a bad word - it's just been given a bad connotation by its use and meaning as defined by the democrats).
We should be emphasizing that the direction of history has, with some hiccups, always been moving in the direction of greater individualism and individual liberty, and that those who push for more homogeneity in society, and collectivism, are on the wrong side of history - and are actually the real ‘throwbacks’. We need to take over ownership of the ‘diversity’ argument, and argue that the greatest and most diverse societies are those who celebrate and support individuality. All individuals are unique, and thus empowering individuals, by definition, is the best and fastest road to diversity.
We need to emphasize that ‘diversity’ isn't just a designation of color or nation of origin, but more importantly it is also the diversity of thought and opinions, and this is the type of diversity that can strengthen us. Thus, having monolithic world-views among university faculty, and news media, and the entertainment industry etc. is anti-diversity - and risks holding us back from societal progress. For the same reason, suppression of open discussion and diverse viewpoints because of fear of reprisal for not being 'politically correct' also limits diversity and holds us back.
We need to take over the ‘war on poverty’ rhetoric, and make the argument that the best way to combat poverty is to promote the ability and right of individuals to succeed. We need to emphasize that the Republican party was the original emancipation and civil rights party, and that the democrats have held back minority success and promoted a culture of government dependency and non-belief in self.
None of this requires us to compromise our beliefs or principles. It's not about that. It's about setting the record straight. It's essential.
Excellent points!!! I spent the last four years trying to do that on an individual basis (among Democrat friends...) and utterly failed. There are some that can’t be reached...but I’m still a believer that many/most can. I haven’t spoken to some of those former friends since the election. I hope that maybe someday the lightbulb will go on but it took a toll on me personally that I am just started to emerge from. My hopes is that as that eveil agenda continues to unfold, they will wakeup. I’m rested now and continuing with a fresh outlook. I’m ready to continue the fight...and the messaging will be critical. I count voctories like Ted Cruz and Tim Scott as points in our favor, not to mention how many governors are holding the line and devloping records of success by doing the exact OPPOSITE of the president’s agenda. I’m looking for the leadership on the national level..and will work on the good old boy level of poltics that our party and the permanent political class that is rotting the core. Cleaning house is not an overnight process..