From Soviet Childhood to Progressive Libertarian: A Journey of Resilience and Dignity

Anna Shnaidman

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In a world often defined by rigid labels, “progressive libertarian” might seem like a paradox, a defiance of conventional political categories. Yet, it is within this seemingly contradictory space that I find my truth. My journey to this identity is a tapestry woven from diverse experiences and challenges, each thread strengthening my commitment to freedom and human dignity for all.

My earliest memories are a constant reminder of being “other.” Growing up as a Jewish child in the Soviet Union, I felt the weight of societal disapproval clinging to my heritage. This sense of alienation followed me when my family sought a new beginning in Israel. Here, a different barrier emerged: the formidable wall of language. As a young immigrant barely grasping Hebrew, my attempts to connect with other children were met with hostility, not acceptance.

One vivid memory sears my mind. In my childlike naivety, I approached a group of children to join their game, only to be met with a kick to the stomach (literally). Witnessing this, my mother, consumed by anger, attempted to confront the boy’s parents. But the language barrier rendered her voice powerless, further emphasising our isolation.

Learning Hebrew, the language of my new home, didn’t erase the taunts. My hearing aids, constant companions and symbols of my disability, became a new target for ridicule. Excluded and ostracized, I turned inwards, forging my own path to connection. Creativity became my refuge, and I channeled my isolation into crafting innovative games. These ideas, born from necessity, were initially solitary pursuits. Yet, their inherent uniqueness and ingenuity soon drew in even those who had once mocked me. Through these games, I discovered the power of leadership and proactive engagement. Not every idea was a success, but the victories were sweet, fostering connection and teaching me the value of creating meaningful experiences for others.

However, witnessing the evolution of progressivism has caused me to pause and reflect. What began as a noble pursuit to protect the vulnerable has, in some instances, morphed into a distorted version of itself, one that paradoxically infringes on the fundamental human rights it seeks to uphold. This transformation embodies the old adage, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Today’s progressivism, in its zeal to safeguard, can inadvertently stifle the very freedoms – like free speech and thought – that are essential for a just society.

However, witnessing the evolution of progressivism has caused me to pause and reflect. What began as a noble pursuit to protect the vulnerable has, in some instances, morphed into a distorted version of itself, one that paradoxically infringes on the fundamental human rights it seeks to uphold. This transformation embodies the old adage, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Today’s progressivism, in its zeal to safeguard, can inadvertently stifle the very freedoms – like free speech and thought – that are essential for a just society.

This distortion has led to a new form of hidden discrimination, where laws and policies, under the guise of protection, can unintentionally deepen divisions and, in some cases, worsen the plight of the groups they aim to uplift. My intention is not to diminish the importance of safeguarding the rights of the marginalized, but to critically examine the methods of enforcing such protections. These methods often lack open dialogue, fail to consider the broader implications, and sometimes proceed without the consent of those they purport to help.

Jonathan Haidt’s metaphor of the “asteroid” of partisan polarization serves as a poignant reminder of the current state of discourse. As Haidt argues, our obsession with ideological battles – whether over climate change, identity politics, or freedom of speech – has blinded us to the real, tangible threats facing society. Like opposing sides arguing the trajectory of an asteroid hurtling towards Earth, we become so entrenched in our perspectives that we fail to see the impending disaster looming before us.

This brings me to the core of my belief and the central lesson gleaned from my own life: the paramount importance of maintaining dialogue and fostering understanding across divides. Polarization, as Haidt suggests, threatens to “kill us all,” not because of the inherent dangers of differing viewpoints, but because our inability to engage constructively with those views leaves us blind to the very real dangers we face together.
Being a libertarian doesn’t equate to abandoning compassion or neglecting the fight for the rights of others. Likewise, being progressive doesn’t necessitate sacrificing individual freedoms for the sake of collective action. The challenge, and my personal mission, lies in navigating these identities without succumbing to intolerance. It’s about striking a delicate balance between advocating for positive change and respecting the very liberties that allow such advocacy to exist.
My journey – from a Jewish child in the Soviet Union to a progressive libertarian advocating for a balanced discourse – illustrates the intricate process of navigating personal and political identities. It stands as a testament to the belief that we can, and must, create value and pursue justice without trampling on the freedoms that define us. By embracing the power of dialogue, initiative, and nuanced engagement, we can address the real “asteroids” threatening our society without losing sight of the individual liberties and human dignity that make our fight worthwhile.

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