Reply #720: often what happens is we pick the label "we" want, and give the imagined others the opposite of that

[nashville_brook]

which is exactly what the "pragmatist" / "idealist" binary does.

I think instead of "idealist," Realist is a much more constructive term. "idealism" implies that people are pointing to grand theoretical narratives, and the opposite is true.

those being called "idealists" are actually pointing life as they live it. they are wondering why so much care is taken to placate Wall Street, when the reality of Main Street is so bleak right now. those who are being called "idealists" are confused as to why there's so much effort being put into developing charter schools while the reality is, our public schools are crumbling.

The Realists ask that policy have some bearing on reality as it is lived by the non-"masters of the universe."