Meaning: Christopher Lasch, a prominent historian and social critic, made a thought-provoking statement about contemporary conservatism in his book "The True and Only Heaven: Progress and Its Critics." In this quote, Lasch critiques the modern conservative ideology, describing it as "ostensibly rigorous and realistic" but ultimately an "ideology of denial." He uses the symbol of a "smile button" to illustrate his point, suggesting that contemporary conservatism presents a superficially positive facade while ignoring or denying underlying problems and societal issues.

Lasch's critique of contemporary conservatism as an "ideology of denial" speaks to his broader concerns about the state of American society and politics. Throughout his work, Lasch was deeply critical of the impact of consumer culture, materialism, and the erosion of community and family life on the fabric of American society. He viewed modern conservatism as complicit in perpetuating these trends by promoting a vision of society that prioritizes individualism, consumerism, and the pursuit of material wealth over the collective well-being and common good.

The notion of conservatism as an "ideology of denial" can be understood in several ways. First, it suggests that contemporary conservative thought and policy positions often downplay or dismiss systemic issues such as economic inequality, racial injustice, and environmental degradation. Instead of acknowledging and addressing these challenges, Lasch argues that conservatism tends to minimize their significance or blame individuals for their own circumstances, thereby denying the need for broader societal change.

Furthermore, the reference to a "smile button" as the symbol of contemporary conservatism underscores the idea that the movement presents a cheerful and optimistic facade, emphasizing a positive outlook while overlooking or downplaying the underlying challenges and complexities of modern society. This symbol implies a superficial and insincere approach to addressing societal issues, prioritizing surface-level positivity over substantive engagement with pressing social and political concerns.

Lasch's critique of contemporary conservatism reflects broader debates about the role of ideology in shaping political discourse and policy decisions. By characterizing conservatism as an "ideology of denial," he challenges the sincerity and effectiveness of conservative approaches to governance and social change. Moreover, his use of a symbol like the "smile button" serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the superficiality and avoidance he perceives in modern conservative thought and rhetoric.

It is important to note that Lasch's critique is not a blanket condemnation of all conservative thought or individuals who identify with conservative principles. Rather, it is a critical examination of the prevailing trends and tendencies within contemporary conservative ideology, particularly as they relate to societal issues and the pursuit of the common good.

In conclusion, Christopher Lasch's quote about contemporary conservatism as an "ideology of denial" and its symbol as a "smile button" encapsulates his critical perspective on the shortcomings of modern conservative thought and policy. Through this quote, Lasch challenges the sincerity and depth of conservative approaches to societal issues, highlighting a tendency to minimize or deny underlying problems while presenting a superficially positive image. This critique prompts reflection on the role of ideology in shaping political discourse and the need for substantive engagement with pressing social and political challenges.