Elitism: How does it differ from populism?
Definition of ‘Elitist’: one who is an adherent of elitism : one whose attitudes and beliefs are biased in favor of a socially elite class of people On many issues, they seem to be populists rather than elitists—believers that people can make decisions for themselves better than elites can.
Defining a ‘Populist’: a believer in the rights, wisdom, or virtues of the common people.
On the surface the elitist and the populist are alike. Both have the notion they know more about what is best for their fellow citizens that should be reflected in public policy whether those policies find expression through laws and/or regulations. Both are ideologically driven. The primary difference is in the direction(s) taken to becoming the prevailing voice in the struggle engaged in decision making.
Elitists tend to consolidate the power of their agenda in the context of force. The elitist will not hesitate to eliminate any contrary point of view. The populist, on the other hand, will promote their agenda through the force of reasoning, debate, due diligence and honest consideration. Does that mean all elitists seek to rule by force? Of course not. Nor does it mean every populist is going to play well with others – i.e., by the rules. However, populism tends to call out their own for deviant infractions where elitists only call out the hypocrisy of their opposition.
Having said all that, there is a spark of elitism in all of us in that we, almost to a man (or woman) believes we have both the right and obligation to guide ‘the public’ in paths trending toward ‘the greater good’. When we think about it much of the evil in this world is foisted on it (us) under the guise of ‘the greater good’.
I’m going to exercise my rights of persuasion to expose my position on one arena involved in an eternal debate over what is best for humankind: JESUS CHRIST, as Lord of all lords, as King of all kings and redeemer of all mankind. I contend for the following positions taken by Him and the entire biblical narrative:
- Man has a problem resulting from their (our) nature to believe the lies of God’s enemy, satan. This sin principle – this sin nature carries with it the universal and inescapable consequence (wage?) of death.
- God has the exclusive solution to the problem(s) resulting from our universal sin nature and that being the atoning, redeeming sacrifice of Jesus at His experience on His cross and His ultimate victory over death in His resurrection.
God condemns any and all methods of force to herd mankind into their redemption because it is a matter of the heart, a matter of the spirit of men to willingly submit to God’s provision. But the attempt of the elitist to silence this message results in a direct assault against God and His persuasiveness will overcome heavy-handed elitists at every turn. We should never fear those who oppose God but take courage in the fear displayed by them as they double down on their intimidating tactics.