A prohibitionist is a person who advocates for the legal prohibition of something, typically the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. Historically, prohibitionists were prominent in the temperance movement, seeking to eliminate alcohol consumption due to its perceived negative social and moral impacts. The term's usage extends beyond alcohol, however, to include individuals who support bans on other substances, activities, or technologies they deem harmful or immoral. These bans are often supported by strong moral or religious beliefs, alongside claims of public health or safety. A prohibitionist's viewpoint typically prioritizes collective well-being over individual liberty when it comes to controlled substances and activities. They believe that any form of ban is an effective measure to ensure a more safe and healthy community for all citizens, regardless of personal preference.
Prohibitionist meaning with examples
- The ardent prohibitionist tirelessly campaigned for the Volstead Act, believing it would eradicate societal ills associated with alcohol. They delivered impassioned speeches, citing the detrimental effects of excessive drinking on families and communities, and saw the legal ban as a crucial step towards a more moral society. Their dedication was unwavering despite strong opposition.
- During the marijuana legalization debates, many prohibitionist voices emerged, warning of potential health risks and increased crime rates. They emphasized the perceived dangers of the substance and the need to uphold existing drug laws, claiming that legalization would create more social harm than good, and citing concerns about substance dependency.
- Some digital privacy advocates could be considered modern-day prohibitionists, arguing for stricter regulations to ban or severely restrict data collection and surveillance practices. They fear the erosion of individual autonomy and the potential for abuse by government or corporations, framing it as a means to protect digital freedom.
- The social prohibitionist often focuses on the morality and behavior of others, for instance in promoting a ban on sexually explicit content that they deem as harmful or promoting social decay. This viewpoint is generally based on personal or cultural values and the importance of public morality which are central to their ideology.
- In the context of certain emerging technologies, a technological prohibitionist would advocate against or severely limit the development or use of innovations like artificial intelligence or genetic engineering. They would primarily focus on ethical considerations, citing the potential for catastrophic societal consequences stemming from misuse of these technologies and highlighting safety risks.
Prohibitionist Synonyms
abstainer anti-alcohol advocate ban proponent restrictive teetotaler (archaic usage)Prohibitionist Antonyms
anti-prohibitionist laissez-faire advocate liberal libertarian permissiveProhibitionist Crossword Answers
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