Liberals are forever congratulating themselves on having all but eliminated the “stifling” codes of disapproval by which the pre-1960s generations dictated socially acceptable norms. But “stigma” was good. While stigma existed, poor people were too proud to beg or rely on welfare; girls were too ashamed to be thought “loose” or to seek single motherhood as a lifestyle choice; men were more chivalrous because there was a stigma against treating women without deference and special consideration; and people were more polite and even dressed properly as a sign of respect for others and themselves. “Stigma” was the means by which free citizens could agree on a mutually satisfactory code of behavior, without the agents of the state having to poke their noses into anyone’s private business.

Liberals, however, utterly reverse the equation—they’re all for obliterating taboos, knocking down stigmas, shocking the middle class, and preaching tolerance for the most anti-social behavior; and then they turn around and act as the biggest advocates of the government dictating private behavior with the nanny state. The consequences? Greater government intrusion; much worse behavior.