Why not focus on policies instead of labels? If you must apply a label, I’m sure you can find something that’s understood by the person you’re talking to. Someone who’s right-leaning might prefer the term “America first” (as in, American citizens before big business). Know your audience.
I have only ever had to defend socialism when I present a policy and get told “that’s socialism”.
Other than that, labels are necessary for political movements. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have the “affordable housing, healthcare, and food as well as cutting back military spending, increasing education funding, taxing the wealthy and making sure it’s enforced, replacing police with social workers and support systems etc etc etc… party.” But it just doesn’t roll off the tongue.
Why not focus on policies instead of labels? If you must apply a label, I’m sure you can find something that’s understood by the person you’re talking to. Someone who’s right-leaning might prefer the term “America first” (as in, American citizens before big business). Know your audience.
I have only ever had to defend socialism when I present a policy and get told “that’s socialism”.
Other than that, labels are necessary for political movements. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have the “affordable housing, healthcare, and food as well as cutting back military spending, increasing education funding, taxing the wealthy and making sure it’s enforced, replacing police with social workers and support systems etc etc etc… party.” But it just doesn’t roll off the tongue.
I’m sorry that’s been your experience, but my comments have been in the context of the OOP, which is very different from what you just described.