Conservative Culture: Should We Go Back to 1220?
Michael Knowles of The Daily Wire recently made a controversial statement on his podcast, suggesting that life would be better if the culture became as conservative as it was back in 1220. This statement has sparked a debate among both conservatives and liberals.
Conservatism in America Today
According to Gallup polling, about 38% of Americans consider themselves conservative or very conservative on social issues. This is compared to 33% and 30% in 2022 and 2021 respectively. Knowles cited this poll to suggest that Americans are as conservative today as they were back in 2012. While he considered this level of conservatism to be “a good start,” he admitted that it wasn’t backward enough for him.
Going Back to 1220: A Good Idea?
Knowles expressed his desire for American culture to be as socially conservative as it was in 1220, stating that he didn’t even want to go back to the 1950s or 1880s. This statement has been met with criticism from both conservatives and liberals.
While it is true that people in 1220 would likely find their 2012 counterparts to be much more liberal in comparison, going back to a culture from almost 800 years ago comes with its own set of problems. Many of the social norms and values of that time period would be considered outdated, and some even barbaric, in today’s world.
The Folly of Knowles’ Dream
Many Twitter users, both conservatives and liberals, have pointed out the flaws in Knowles’ statement. Going back to a culture from 800 years ago is not only impractical but also dangerous. Society has evolved and progressed a great deal since then, and reverting to a culture from that time period would be a step backward.
While it is important to preserve certain values and traditions, we must also consider the progress we have made as a society. Going back to a culture from 1220 would not only be unrealistic but would also be detrimental to our society as a whole.
Conclusion
While Michael Knowles’ statement may have sparked a debate, it is clear that going back to a culture from 1220 is not a practical or desirable solution. We must continue to evolve and progress as a society while also preserving the values and traditions that have made us who we are today.
