Amir Khan
Ideology is the map through which we make sense of the social and political world. It’s not just individual opinion, it’s a coherent shared cluster of beliefs and values about how society should be organized. Ideology tells us what is normal and fair, while quietly defining what is wrong.
An example of ideology that comes to mind is the concept of the “American Dream”. This ideology can be interpreted in different ways. One one hand, it can be interpreted that success is defined by how hard you work, while conversely identifying people struggling as “not working hard enough”. This opens the door for poverty being viewed as laziness rather than systemic barriers.
My definition of ideology is the way in which we present ourself to society, and either adhere or abstain from social norms. The United States is, at its truest form, a place for multiple ideologies to mesh and transform into the greater culture. You can have places like Queens NY, which each street can have a different way of thinking. The ideology of freedom is what draws so many here, and with the current administration infringing on this ideology of freedom, it is ever important to stay true to our countries original principles. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.
Conservative vs Liberal Ideologies
There is a fundamental dividing line between American politics, and that is conservatism and liberalism. The differences center around the relationship of individual and government, as well as aspects of life and economy.
Conservatism centers around tradition, individual responsibilities, and limitations on government. Tradition reflects a belief in respecting established cultural norms and religious heritage. This can cause problems because America claims to be free for all, however conservatives constantly apply Christian values to policies and politics. Limitations on government and their involvement in laws at the state level are believed to do more harm than good.
Liberalism centers around equality, and progressivism. Equality and social justice are at the forefront of what being a liberal is, pushing the ideology that systemic barriers prevent people from achieving basic well being. They also believe in an active government, which can cause problems due to higher government spending an in turn, the tax payer footing the bill for something they don’t necessarily believe in.
The dividibg line between both parties comes down to healthcare. Healthcare is a very broad term, but something specific we can tackle in terms of breaking down the difference in ideologies. Things like abortion care, and healthcare for all once explored, can show the difference between the parties. Conversatives argue that abortion is murder, based on the traditional Christian/religious values, while liberals argue that it is up to the individual and doctor to decide what is right for the patient. Liberals argue that healthcare for all, regardless of immigration status and ability to pay, is a right that the government should fund and protect. This is just one example we can explore with key arguments on both sides.
Althussers Understanding of Ideology
Louis Althussers argued that ideology is not a set of abstract ideas in our heads, it is defined as our imaginary relationship to real conditions of existence. Society constructs an imaginary picture of who we are, where we for and we live out that picture through routine behaviors within society. Althusser calls them Ideological State Apparatuses. These ISA’s are schools, churches, media and family. Through a process called interpellation, these institutions call upon society to fit into specific subjects like “A good student”, “A hard worker”, or “A law abiding citizen”. We can use the pledge of allegiance as an example. By taking part in something like this every day at school, you do not just believe in patriotism, it is practiced in action to integrate in our society here in the United States. This ritual gives a harmonious belonging into a unified nation, regardless of the turmoil we experience and the infighting in politics.
