Social conservatism has reached the highest levels in more than a decade, according to a new Gallup poll.
Over the past two years, the percentage of Americans identifying as socially liberal has dropped by 5 points, while social conservatives have grown by 8%. Today, 38% of Americans say they lean right on cultural issues.
More Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike say they identify as “conservative” or “very conservative” on social issues, meaning they embrace traditional social values — though not necessarily conservative economic policies.
And the trend crosses generations — even the number of under-30s who identify as socially conservative has increased by 6%, although the biggest jump was seen in the 30- to 49-year-old demographic.
This comes as no surprise. Over the past several years, the left has pushed an aggressive and in-your-face social agenda.
When their children started attending class on Zoom at the kitchen table during the pandemic, parents woke up to the divisive curricula that prematurely foists politics on kids (the Brearley School in Manhattan went as far as to require parents themselves go through antiracist training).
When their workplaces started requiring DEI training, employees bristled at being called a bigot or being separated from their coworkers by race (Coca Cola even held a diversity training session for employees in 2021 which instructed them on how to be less white).
And, when they turn on the television or go on social media, viewers are barraged with commercials that seem more intent on pushing a political message than any product (like the now-infamous Bud Light can that the company gifted to Dylan Mulvaney in celebration of her gender transition anniversary).
While the left used to espouse tolerance and pluralism, today it seems as though they’ve abdicated their “live and let live messaging.” In its place, they’ve embraced evangelizing, aggressive, and even authoritarian progressivism that says something more like “accept or perish.” Just look at what happened to “The Bachelor” host Chris Harrison, who was canceled and shamed into resignation after he spoke out against the cancellation of a contestant.
Americans have had enough, and they’re turning to social conservatism as a backlash against woke excesses.
And while it’s great that the American public is waking up and fighting back — whether by refusing to accept political messaging from corporations, or advocating for curricula reform at school board meetings— the right needs to be careful not to fight fire with fire.
Woke authoritarianism shouldn’t be fought with anti-woke authoritarianism. The “live and let live” mantra that used to be so core to the American spirit is up for grabs, and the right should claim it—especially if they want a shot with young voters.
By 2028, half of all eligible voters will be Gen Z or Millennials. And, while they’re often dismissed as a progressive monolith, that’s hardly an accurate picture. In fact, my generation, Generation Z, is actually diverse and independent in their political thinking — 30% identify as Democrats, 24% Republicans, and 28% independents.
While ultra-progressive young people might be more outspoken, many of us simply want to live in a world where we can respect our neighbors and tune out the culture wars.
That’s something wise politicians can — and should — give us.
The “live and let live” principle is simple: You can drink out of your paper straw, just don’t outlaw my plastic one. Identify with whatever gender you please, just don’t take my daughter’s athletic scholarship. Use whatever PC lingo you want, just don’t censor me if I don’t do the same.
I will defend your right to do what you wish and live as you please. All I ask is that you return the favor.
Any politician who can thread that needle and rise above the culture wars will have inroads with the independent vote and the youth vote alike. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to see any major candidate embrace this challenge.
In an era of heated culture wars and a left-wing sinking ever lower, it’s time for the right to rise above — or at least rise higher.
rschlott@nypost.com
This story originally appeared on NYPost
