It is to a dramatist, which is to say, to an unfrocked psychoanalyst, stunning that that which has sustained the Left in my generation, its avatar, its prime issue, has been abortion. For, whether or not it is regarded as a woman's right, an unfortunate necessity, or murder, which is to say, irrespective of differing and legitimate political views, to enshrine it as the important test of the Liberal, is, mythologically, an assertion to the ultimate right of a postreligious Paganism.
In his book "The Secret Knowledge: On the Dismantling of American Culture," David Mamet reflects on the pivotal role abortion has played in defining the Left's identity over the years. He observes that abortion, regardless of one’s stance on whether it represents women's rights, a necessary option, or a moral failing, has become a central issue that encapsulates the Liberal perspective. This focus highlights a cultural shift where personal beliefs about life and autonomy take precedence in a post-religious societal framework.
Mamet likens the dramatist's role to that of a psychoanalyst, suggesting that engaging with deeply contentious topics like abortion requires exploration beyond mere politics. The intensity with which the issue is held indicates a form of spiritual or ideological belief that transcends traditional moral discussions. Thus, abortion emerges not only as a political litmus test but also as a symbol of a new secular belief system, where values and rights are redefined in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
