Here's why I think the "far left" is NOT the same as the "far right".

[daedalus_dude]

Actually, I think it's pretty hard to define "far left" and "far right", but here is what I think is the difference:

The "far left" are people who in principle have some sort of noble cause. They may be people who think that the ends justify the means in achieving this cause, and possibly get so entangled into the means, that the cause blurs away. Or they may be people who are unwilling to make any sort of compromise with regards to their cause and end up achieving nothing because the reality of the situation might demand compromise. Or they may be people who build up a deep hatred of the "system" out of frustration of their cause not moving forward and project that hatred on anyone who represents "the system" (cops, judges etc.). But in principle I think "far left" are people who want equality, peace, justice, etc.

The "far right" on the other hand, aside from their means being shitty, usually have causes that have nothing noble to them from the outset. Their "causes" evolve around selfishness, oppressing others, achieving special status for a few chosen individuals and so on.

I personally see grounds for discussion with a member of the "far left". With the "far right" I don't.

[Xenotime]

1. Exactly. The far right are liars, freaks and overall obnoxious individuals

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Somebody did an analysis of what makes a person "left" or "right,"

or more accurately, liberal or conservative. Basically, what they came up with was this: Most societies have basic principles that everyone agrees with, regardless of their politics. What defines you as liberal or conservative is the relative emphasis you place on those principles. The study divided these principles into five categories:

1. Compassion/avoiding harm
2. Equality/justice
3. Respect for authority/following rules
4. Loyalty to your group
5. Morality/purity

While pretty much everybody agrees that these are all positive principles in general, the study found that liberals place far more emphasis on the first two, while conservatives emphasize the last three. Religious conservatives are especially concerned with #5. So at the "fringes" of either end of the political spectrum, the differences would be even more pronounced. As we have already seen in the health care debate, conservatives are willing to sacrifice compassion (for people who can't get medical care) in favor of what they think of as loyalty to their group (protecting their country from "socialism"; no health care for undocumented workers) and morality (no abortions).

I will try to find that study again. It's very interesting.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. the far right are also more uniform in their beliefs--

or should I say prejudices and hatreds, upon which their beliefs are formed. They actually believe that they should not have independent thought, but should follow blindly any "leader" who says they agree with their views. The far left, on the other hand, tends to be independent individuals who are more likely to argue amongst themselves as do large organization efforts.

[abluelady]

4. Recently Had this Conversation with a Conservative

I talked about what is best for society as opposed to what is best for "me." She looked at me like I was from outer space. She really hadn't a clue that society could matter over me. That is the bottom line. They assume if it is good for them, it is good for everybody. It just ain't so.

[lunatica]

5. The far left hate everyone to the right of them and vice versa

I find both extremes radically emotional, close minded, judgmental and unforgiving.

But I believe they have valuable and vital roles in the health of all societies. Although some of it may be inadvertent.

[moggie]

6. I think you're still letting the right define your terms

Look up "Overton window". The US right have been very successful in shifting political discourse to the right, to the point where the term "far left" is used for people who, in much of the rest of the world, would be regarded as moderate. How many high-profile Trotskyites can you think of?

[kentuck]

8. Bingo !

Absolutely on target.

[CJCRANE]

7. If you identify with "the little guy" then you're probably left wing.

If you identify with the rich and powerful and think the little guy (the poor and working class demographic) gets more than he deserves, then you're probably right wing.