What is a Conservative?

 

​The central tenets of conservatism include respect for tradition with the aim of emphasizing social stability and continuity. Taken to the extreme, it can oppose modernism and seek a return to "the way things were". 

There is no single set of policies regarded as conservative because the meaning of conservatism depends on what is considered traditional in any given place and/or time. Thus conservatives from different parts of the world—each upholding their respective traditions—may disagree on a wide range of issues.

Young people are less likely to be "conservative" because they have not experienced substantial change to  their nostalgia for the earlier portions of their lives.

Some political theorists define conservatism as less an attempt to uphold traditional institutions and more about the experience of having had power, seeing it threatened, and trying to win it back".

   

   

   

  

Many people rightfully long for a return to the past because "things were better, back in the day".

For example:

• Mom and Pop stores instead of Big Box stores and franchises
  
• Excessive use of cell phones
• Less advertising (especially political ads)
• Politeness and civilized discussion
• A substantial middle class
• Respect for handicraft and skill
• Smaller crowds and less traffic
• Allowing children to enjoy childhood
• Knowing your neighbors and involvement in your community
• Local control instead of federal mandate
• Homes and cars were more affordable
• Small farms rather than huge agri-business