I am a lefty and that probably makes me a liberal I guess.
Apart form my political views and philosophy, the idea of liberalism as we see it in many sections of the society is northing but a license to feel different, self righteous and superior (in that order) to anyone who doesn't 'appear' liberal. Liberalism's that emerged as a political and intellectual movement fighting for the rights of bourgeois has very much just become a culturally relevant term. For example, in conservative societies, wearing a sleeveless shirt or speaking English would make you look like a 'liberal', but in truly liberal societies, these things don't mean anything.
In Muslim societies, I do see liberalism as an expression cultural snobbery and hypocrisy of elite classes.
haha, oh well, we all view 'liberals' differently. Would be interesting if some self proclaimed liberal were to come here and share their views.
^ I think Mezghan has liberal beliefs. I classify myself as overall liberal although i am conservative on certain topics. I guess there are different definitions of liberal. For me liberal means being open to other cultures, learning about others and believing all have a choice to live life the way they want as long as they don't harm others and are responsible citizens. It does not mean i would make those choices. Liberalism doesn't have to be limited to women's clothing or to select topics.
I belong to a liberal family. My parents have taught us what their expectations but they give me complete azaadi to make my choices. They still give me input like all parents but they trust i will make the right decisions. My parents take input from me and my siblings and it is an open minded environment. They are conservative about some things but liberal about many others. I think any family based on trust, respect and good communication, whether liberal or conservative, is a healthy family. Still i know what expectations there are and what limits there are. I think liberalism in an individualistic society is different to liberalism in a collective society like all desi societies.
Liberalism, in theory, means respecting choices of others as long as it doesn't infringe on freedom of others and it is responsible towards society. So i feel it's not my place to make judgment on other people's clothing or choices. I say in theory because sometimes liberal people can be less open minded and judge others as compared to conservatives.