For those of you who enjoy discussions about political terms, here’s a new suggestion: “Family Guy” Libertarians. How did I come up with it? You can thank “South Park,” one of “Family Guys’” TV rivals, for that.
In 2001, blogger Andrew Sullivan coined the term “South Park Republican.” This occurred after “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone declared they were Republicans at an award ceremony.
Sullivan’s term was fleshed out by Stephen Stanton on Tech Central Station in 2002-2003. And author Brian C. Anderson went a step further in 2005 and wrote a book, “‘South Park’ Conservatives: The Revolt Against Liberal Media Bias.
Anderson defined “South Park” Republicans/Conservatives as follows: “… it loosely refers to an anti-liberal or an iconoclastic right-of-center type: someone who may not be traditionally conservative when it comes to things like censorship or popular culture or even on some social issues but who wants nothing to do with the dour, PC and elitist left.”
Like it or not, this term made sense. The GOP has a big tent philosophy, and conservatives come in different shapes, sizes and philosophies.
We’ve all met conservatives who, shall we say, have a little “South Park” in them.
But I still felt something was missing — proper recognition for libertarians. While Reason magazine attempted to bring “South Park” into the libertarian camp (since Parker and Stone both recognize themselves as such), it just didn’t work. A political movement can only claim so many individuals, groups or philosophies as its own.
Libertarians therefore needed an animated program to call their own. And I believe they have one — “Family Guy.”
Here’s my definition of a “Family Guy” Libertarian: An individual who primarily supports the right in recognizing that liberal democracies need small government, lower taxes and more individual rights and freedoms, but occasionally sides with the left in rejecting social conservative principles and cultural restrictions.
There are right-leaning individuals that could potentially fall under “Family Guy” libertarianism, including university students, third-party supporters, independents, dissident Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats. In other words, many of the groups that the Republicans need if they are going to remain a dominant political force are “Family Guy” Libertarians.
Who would “Family Guy” Libertarians identify with in the show?
Definitely Peter Griffin. He’s the father of the household, and an overweight nonconformist who always speaks his mind. His opposition to political correctness, distrust of the FCC, support of free speech and starting up the First United Church of the Fonz in his quest for religious spirituality would earn him admiration from libertarians.
Perhaps Stewie Griffin. He’s the youngest son who occasionally makes plans for world domination. What libertarian wouldn’t respect Stewie’s distrust of authority, high IQ, and understanding that things must be created, destroyed and rebuilt until we get it right?
Some of Family Guy’s supporting cast is also pseudo-libertarian. Joe, the paraplegic cop, would surely be opposed to restrictive policies like gun control. Quagmire would probably scream “Giggity” and “alll riiight” at the top of his lungs if laws on sex and drugs were relaxed.
Even Cleveland has discovered free will since leaving his wife Loretta, who wouldn’t allow “white literature” in the house.
“Family Guy” Libertarians would identify Lois Griffin (mother) and Brian Griffin (talking dog) as political liberals, but respect their support for free speech and opposition to social conservatism. As for the two remaining Griffin children, Meg and Chris, being ugly and believing in an evil monkey respectively are way too tough to classify on a political scale.
Will some Americans now start calling themselves “Family Guy” Libertarians? Stay tuned. If not, I have a sure-fire fallback political term — “American Dad” Classical Liberals.
Michael Taube is a public affairs analyst, commentator and columnist in Canada. If you think you are a Family Guy Libertarian, e-mail him at [email protected].
