The conservative voice in radical rhetoric: A common response to division

The radical rhetoric that has marked the late 1960's and early 1970's has been and continues to be diverse. Much of this rhetoric, however, seems to be in response to clear divisions that carry with them orders of privilege. By appealing to well established values, some who have been exploited by the working of the system, have sought to reverse the scale of privilege. In so doing, ironically, they sound a quite conservative voice. This contention may be illustrated by drawing from the rhetoric of Gay Lib and Women's Lib, as well as from cries for Black freedom. But in no way does the argument contend that the conservative voice is the only one heard in radical rhetoric. It is an important tendency, but only one strain among many.