Why Are Conservatives Assholes?

Why are conservatives so often the ones standing in the way of progress? From opposing civil rights to denying climate science, conservative ideologies have historically resisted change, even when that change is necessary for justice, equity, or survival. Is it ignorance? Fear? Or a calculated effort to preserve power?

This isn’t about name-calling. It’s about understanding. If we don’t address the root causes of this resistance, we’ll always be reacting—fighting tooth and nail for every inch of progress instead of creating a society where progress is natural, inevitable, and unstoppable. So the real question isn’t just why conservatives are assholes, but how we can change the underlying behaviour and thinking that perpetuates this dynamic.

Conservatives Have Always Been Assholes

The Roots of Conservative Resistance

Conservatism, at its core, is about preserving tradition and resisting change. That doesn’t inherently make it bad—there’s value in stability and caution. But when preservation comes at the expense of justice, equality, and survival, it becomes destructive.

The problem lies in three fundamental traits of conservative thought:

1. Fear of Uncertainty: Change is unsettling. It disrupts familiar systems and threatens the status quo. For many conservatives, this fear of the unknown becomes a driving force behind their resistance.
2. Myth of Scarcity: Conservative rhetoric often frames progress as a zero-sum game—if others gain rights, resources, or power, it means they lose. This scarcity mindset fuels opposition to policies like wealth redistribution or affirmative action.
3. Power Preservation: Let’s not mince words—many conservative movements are about maintaining control. Whether it’s economic elites resisting taxation or social conservatives opposing LGBTQ+ rights, the goal is often to protect privilege.

These forces combine to create a worldview that sees progress not as a collective good but as a threat. And that worldview has consequences—conservative resistance has delayed justice, exacerbated inequality, and cost lives.

How Do We Stop Fighting the Same Battles?

So how do we change this dynamic? How do we move beyond responding to conservative ignorance and create a culture where progress happens without constant resistance?

Here’s where the work begins:

1. Shift the Narrative

Conservatives thrive on framing progress as dangerous, divisive, or impractical. We need to reframe progress as essential, collaborative, and inevitable. This means controlling the narrative—challenging their rhetoric and painting a clear, hopeful vision of the future.

2. Educate Beyond the Echo Chamber

Ignorance isn’t always willful. Many people hold conservative views because they’ve been fed a steady diet of misinformation. We need to invest in education that counters this—building coalitions, creating accessible resources, and using every platform to expose the fallacies behind conservative thinking.

3. Expose the Real Motives

Many conservative policies aren’t about principles—they’re about power. By highlighting the financial, political, or social interests driving conservative agendas, we can erode their credibility and show the public who benefits from their resistance.

4. Build Preemptive Momentum

Too often, progressives play defence. Instead, we need to create preemptive momentum by proactively pushing policies and creating cultural shifts before conservatives have time to organize opposition. The goal isn’t just to win arguments, but to make opposition irrelevant.

5. Address the Root Causes of Fear

If fear drives conservative resistance, addressing that fear can diminish their opposition. Policies that promote economic security, community stability, and access to education can reduce the anxiety that fuels conservative movements.

From Fighting to Leading

Imagine a world where progress isn’t a struggle but a shared project. Where the debate isn’t about whether justice is necessary but about how to implement it effectively. That world is possible, but it requires us to stop reacting to conservative resistance and start reshaping the systems, narratives, and cultures that sustain it.

The challenge isn’t small. Changing minds is harder than passing laws. But it’s necessary if we want to move beyond the exhausting cycle of progress and pushback.

So the next time you find yourself asking, Why are conservatives such assholes? remember: it’s not just about them. It’s about us. What are we doing to change the conversation, build a better foundation, and ensure that progress isn’t something we fight for—but something we expect?

What would you add to this approach?

If this resonates with you, subscribe to join the conversation about dismantling resistance, and building a better future. Share your thoughts, and let’s start creating change that lasts.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is what I’m working on. Tell me what you think, I enjoy the conversation! Subscribe and follow the work in real time.

Thanks!

B

Why are conservatives so often the loudest voices against progress? Fear, power, and scarcity drive their resistance. But what if we stopped reacting and started reshaping the system itself? Progress shouldn't be a fight. It should be a given.

PS -