The Progressive Dilemma: Language, Crime, and Perception

Highlights

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Are progressives undermining their own causes with their rhetoric on crime?

“We are striving to get Democrats to speak in a way that resonates with everyday people rather than sounding like they are leading a seminar at Antioch.”

“It reflects a perception that Democrats are unwilling to hold criminals accountable.”

Are progressives and conservatives more focused on groupthink than on effective communication or genuine change?

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Opinion

A recent conversation with a female crime victim in Washington, D.C., sheds light on prevailing sentiments: “The system refers to released inmates as returning citizens. They are not returning citizens; they are criminals, and one scarred me for life. Why is the justice system making my life harder?”

Politico: The ‘Woke’ Words Democrats Should Cut From Their Vocabulary

A new memo from the center-left think tank Third Way highlights 45 words and phrases Democrats should avoid, asserting that these terms alienate voters. The list spans various categories, from “therapy speak” to how crime is contextualized.

“We aim to help Democrats communicate in a manner that feels relatable and genuine,” remarks Matt Bennett, Third Way’s executive vice president of public affairs. “Language is a critical barrier preventing us from connecting with the voters.”

Comedians like Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman have also pointed out the often perplexing language used by some Democrats.

Erickson, Third Way’s senior VP, categorized crime as an area where Democrats desperately need to adjust their messaging, observing that the current perception is that Democrats are reluctant to hold criminals accountable.

Progressives: A Critique

I have spent years in law enforcement and within governmental justice agencies. My progressive colleagues often lacked similar experiences. Their views on the justice system typically stemmed from ideology rather than practical engagement with victims or offenders.

This disconnect affected perceptions of a nationally recognized anti-crime initiative I was involved with; attempts to align narratives often fell flat.

Even decades ago, the rhetoric surrounding crime from progressive voices often struck me as misguided. It appeared deliberate in its alienation of the wider public.

Progressives consistently promote the idea that the justice system need not be excessively punitive and that second chances are essential for those involved in crime. They aspire for police to be community guardians instead of warriors. Yet, I find myself questioning if they realize the damage their language might inflict. To this, they usually respond with disbelief, accusing me of being biased by my law enforcement background.

In Defense of Progressives: Compassion in Crime

Progressive ideals often align with deeply rooted religious values, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who have erred. The teachings of Jesus advocate for reaching out to those incarcerated, highlighting a call for compassion.

Critics may brand progressives as out of touch, but they often hold a perspective that underscores empathy and understanding, as echoed by national leaders throughout history.

Then Came The Defund The Police Movement

My respect for progressive thought began to wane significantly with the advent of the “defund the police” movement, stemming from criticisms against a few individuals in law enforcement.

Political strategist James Carville noted the detrimental effect the push to defund the police has had on candidates, noting that phrases like “defund the police” are seen as politically disastrous.

This marked a turning point for me. Progressives appeared willing to stereotype a vast community of law enforcement professionals based on the misjudged actions of a few, demonstrating a troubling level of prejudice within their discourse.

As issues of mass shootings arose, calls for advanced tactical training peaked, while the push for demilitarization directly conflicted with demands for increased police preparedness.

From Third Way’s Memo: The Issue of Crime

Within the memo, it is stated, “This suggests: the offender is portrayed as a victim while the actual victim is an afterthought.”

• “Justice-involved individuals”
• “Carceration”
• “Incarcerated people”
• “Involuntary confinement”

“Communities deserve to feel secure in their living, working, and educational spaces, and we cannot advocate for criminal justice reforms unless we acknowledge this reality candidly.”

Additionally, there is room to critique the terminologies used:

• Referring to criminals as “clients” diminishes the gravity of their actions.
• Terminologies like “justice-involved individuals” dilute accountability.
• Claims about the efficacy of social programs in reducing crime are greatly exaggerated.
• Describing offenders as deserving of “second chances” can be misleading.
• There’s an assertion that crime policy should exclude crime victims from contributing to discussions.

The gravity of these statements resonated deeply, particularly as these terms were endorsed by the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal entities during previous Democratic administrations.

Indeed, President Biden’s advisors expressed frustration over progressive stances on crime, concerned that extreme rhetoric would alienate voters who prioritize safety as paramount.

Democrats and Crime Perceptions

Amid heightened attention to crime in urban settings, Democrats face mounting scrutiny over their perceived approach to crime enforcement. Recent polling suggests many Americans identify crime as a pressing concern, even if crime rates are declining.

Public polls reveal that substantial percentages of individuals across demographic groups are now expressing fears about crime, reinforcing the notion that avoiding the subject carries real political risks.

Conclusions

Nearly everyone experiences crime at some point, yet discourse regarding crime largely derives from progressive viewpoints, often overshadowing broader narratives. A deep imbalance exists, fueled by significant funding for progressive agendas, creating barriers for non-partisan sources of information on crime.

This ongoing discourse struggles against an entrenched ideological debate that often neglects the wealth of reliable, empirical data available. Forward-thinking conversations about crime must transcend partisanship to find common ground and foster a more informed and compassionate approach to crime and justice.

To catalyze meaningful change, we must balance the conversation with access to comprehensive, non-biased research. Building understanding through empathy for crime victims and a commitment to accountability for offenders is fundamental to nurturing safer communities.

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