During a discussion about early voting some people who live in Oregon like their mail in voting and because it works for them they think it should be instituted all over the country so that everyone has to just vote by mail and not go to polls. Some people, myself included, said no, we would not want to mail in our vote, that we prefer going in to vote. Some of us were pointing out some reasons why some people would want to go in and vote. Those arguing were talking down to other people on this site and talking like all the small town, rural and other state people didn't know what was good for them and that they were so much more enlightened about this and the law should just be changed because they knew it would be best for everyone. That is elitism.
Another example that is really common for this issue to show up with is gun control. Urban people have a much different view and relationship with guns than rural people do. In cities, guns are intended to be used against or protect against people. In rural areas guns are about putting food on the table for your family, recreation, sport and heirlooms. I grew up in the country. I think I was in the 2nd grade when I shot my first gun. When I was 12 I won a rifle at a turkey shoot (you didn't shoot turkeys, you won them by shooting at targets). I'm female. I used to go hunting. Hunting rifles are cherished family heirlooms that are passed down in families. Guns are a huge part of the rural way of life. Because of this difference between rural and urban there is a massive difference in views on guns. Often when the issue comes up there are a number of liberals who not only refuse to recognize how important guns are to rural Americans, they can be really disrespectful about it too. The radical factions on each side have gotten away with preventing rational discussion on guns for a long time. Democrats should really take a different approach towards guns. Most people want sensible gun control regarding background checks and limiting access to people who should not have them, but most other gun laws really should be based on regional needs, or maybe by population.
The last example I'll give is the way some liberals will talk down to or about people who disagree with them as if those people are stupid. That is extremely offensive and rude and plays a huge role in why Democrats have been slowly losing rural voters.
One last thing came to mind as well. I was born and raised in rural Maine. Growing up I used to spend much of my days walking along the coast or hiking through the woods near the coast. I went back home to visit a few years ago and found that it was nearly impossible to take a walk on the beaches where I grew up. The reason? Wealthy people from NY, CT and MA bought up all the homes as second vacation homes and plastered up "No Trespassing" signs everywhere. They don't really get to know their neighbors and only come for a couple of weeks every year. They just come in and buy up all coastal property and often put up things that block the views from the people who have lived there their whole lives and block access to the beach. That is something that REALLY pisses of rural people, too.
When people talk about "elitism" that is the kind of thing they are referring to.
= new reply since forum marked as read
