The assertion that the ”right” has won the culture war, a sentiment recently expressed on social media, presents a simplified and arguably ahistorical perspective. While the online discourse might suggest a right-wing dominance, history demonstrates the cyclical nature of ideological influence. Neither the leftward swing of the 1960s and 70s nor the subsequent rise of libertarian right-wing ideologies resulted in definitive victories. The pendulum of cultural power continues to swing. Currently, however, a specific brand of right-wing thought appears to hold sway, one characterized by a discomfort with liberal principles of individual freedom and a distinct aversion to anything perceived as ”other.”
This resurgent right-wing ideology challenges the foundational liberal tenet of ”your freedom ends where mine begins.” It exhibits an intolerance towards expressions of cultural difference, encompassing everything from the goods sold in immigrant-owned shops to the presence of religious symbols in public spaces. Furthermore, it harbors a suspicion of those who express joy and celebrate in languages other than the dominant one. This strain of right-wing thought, previously compelled to accommodate a diversifying society, now senses an opportunity to reassert its influence, fueled by a growing sense of unease and a rejection of multiculturalism. This contrasts starkly with a more tolerant, ”live and let live” right-wing perspective that previously held more prominence.
The shift in right-wing discourse is evident in reactions to events like the Syrian uprising. While many Syrians, having endured oppression and violence under Bashar al-Assad’s regime, understandably celebrated his downfall, certain right-wing voices responded with disapproval. Rather than acknowledging the legitimate joy of a diaspora witnessing the potential end of their suffering, these voices focused on the ”segregation” supposedly highlighted by these celebrations or expressed discomfort at the ”unpleasant,” ”threatening,” and ”foreign” nature of the jubilant expressions in public spaces. The celebratory cries, the waving of flags, and the beating of drums, all hallmarks of communal joy and relief, were interpreted through a lens of suspicion and prejudice, highlighting the shift away from a more tolerant right-wing perspective.
This unease with expressions of cultural difference underlines the growing influence of a right-wing ideology that prioritizes cultural homogeneity and views diversity with suspicion. The discomfort expressed at the sight of people celebrating in a language or with symbols perceived as ”foreign” reveals a deep-seated anxiety about the changing cultural landscape. It represents a departure from a more inclusive approach, where differences were tolerated, if not celebrated. This new brand of right-wing thought seeks to reassert traditional cultural norms and values, often at the expense of minority groups and expressions of cultural difference.
The current political climate, exemplified by these reactions, suggests a move away from a more laissez-faire right-wing philosophy towards one characterized by a more assertive and often intolerant stance towards cultural diversity. The focus on the supposedly disruptive and unsettling nature of expressions of difference, rather than on the underlying reasons for celebration or protest, highlights this shift. This brand of right-wing thought thrives on anxieties surrounding cultural change, framing diversity as a threat to social cohesion rather than an enriching element of society.
The perceived victory of the right in the culture war may be a premature and oversimplified conclusion. However, the rise of this particular brand of right-wing ideology, with its inherent discomfort towards cultural difference and its tendency to view expressions of otherness with suspicion, is undeniable. This shift signifies a departure from a more tolerant and inclusive approach to cultural diversity and raises concerns about the future of a society increasingly grappling with issues of identity, belonging, and the evolving definitions of national culture. The pendulum of cultural influence continues to swing, and while the current moment may appear to favor a particular brand of right-wing thought, history suggests that this too shall pass, making way for new ideological configurations and cultural negotiations.
