1. Liberal Masks Page 1 of 3
Successin Liberal Masks
Lindsey Purves
May 10, 2012
Mr. Kabachia Humanities 30

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In source one Norman Rockwell conveys a belief of the importance and respect of individual
rights and freedoms. In the first painting a man is standing proudly as he speaks in front of a large
crowd while the people around him look up to him with respect for speaking up in public. The
second painting shows people of various race and gender praying in the form that speaks to their
deity, whether it is praying head down, lips touched to closed hands or grasping rosemary beads
looking to the heavens. These paintings show the brighter side of liberal democracy in its freedom
allowed to all.
Source two, a quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt from the Economic Bill of Rights (1941),
speaks of the importance of rules and regulations to allow everyone the freedom to pursue their
ambitions in a democratic society. Roosevelt recognizes that without some “security and
independence” through welfare capitalism there will be those that can never have a steady job that
will keep them and their families fed and claims this hunger and joblessness is “the stuff of which
dictatorships are made.” This quote also states the importance of keeping individual rights and
freedoms for all, rich or poor, lower class or upper class.
Source three has a different perspective on democracy. In the quote by Joseph Stalin it is
claimed that suffrage is needed to keep the people happy but in the end it is not the people who
vote that decide the government, instead “the people who count the votes decide everything.” Stalin
supports the idea that a dictatorship works only because they have a democratic front, in reality
decisions are made by the people at the top.
Although not all three sources support the idea of having a democratic government, they all
support the idea that liberal principles keep the people happy and the government support strong
within the country. Supporting individual rights and freedoms, welfare capitalism, and suffrage as a
means of keeping a populace confident in their government, these three sources show the need for
some liberal principles in governments even if they are just for show. “It is enough that the people

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know there was an election.” (Joseph Stalin) Roosevelt describes the consequences of not
protecting every person’s individual rights and freedoms as an affront to democracy, as well as
something that could potentially lead to a dictatorship. Rockwell’s paintings have a calm feeling to
them, portraying the positive outcomes of allowing people freedoms of speech and religion, in turn
protecting the government’s hold over a country with no fear of revolt. Through liberal fronts both
government and people are content.