If your father is using those words as an insult, he is probably a maga or close. Being leftist is only an insult if you are an empathy-lacking rightwinger that sees people defending human rights as an enemy; be it because they've been brainwashed or because they are evil.

In any case, be proud, if a maga sees you as a leftist, it means you are a threat to the fascism they want to bring to the world. And my advice is to not seek acceptance from them too hard, chances are they are white supremacists not caring for anything remotely "different". Acceptance comes from people capable of empathising, and magas are... not ready for that.

To conservatives, it's about tribalism. If you're in, then you're good. If you're out, then you're bad. Your father is saying you're not part of the in-crowd, thus are bad.

IMO, you shouldn't argue with him, either take it as a compliment "yeah, thanks. I do think people should be treated humanely" or go ridiculous "yes! Abolish the state! No private property! Anarchy! Burn it all down!"

Maybe remind him that leftist libs are Americans, and if he was too, he'd be defending your right to say anything no matter how he feels about it.

If he isn't tolerant, he isn't American. Out patriot his ass with the lessons he grew up with instead of the ones baked into him from Fox News.

Old lady here. Neurodivergent also. Let me share some of what I have learned.

People like your father are, simply put, radicalized by right wing propagandists. Maybe he was a good person at some point in his life, but the propaganda is a tool for brainwashing- he isn’t the person he may once have been. And he probably will never be, again.

To that group, compassion and kindness are considered bad. For this reason, I ask that you use extreme caution and understand that your dad may believe there is ”honor” in hurting you or those you care about. This is a very real possibility and I encourage you to find safe shelter elsewhere, if possible.

If you need help, let us know. Please do not trust this man anymore. I know it’s hard when it is our parents, but many of us have gone through this already and know the process.

Call him a Chino (Christian in name only) real Christians love their neighbor as they love themselves.

Tell him to read John 7

“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged. And with the measure you use, it will be measured again for you.

3 “And why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the log that is in your own eye?"

Then remind him that Christ voluntarily hung out with whores, tax collectors, thieves, and societies, dregs and rejects. This wasn't someone who buddy buddied with the leaders of the church but actively questioned the authority of them and defamed them.

If you want a real argument, tell him he should stop worshiping Paul and start worshiping Jesus.

Calling someone a liberal when they are leftist is pretty insulting, even fighting words in some company. Though probably not in the way he intended. Many leftists consider liberals to be at best, placing their personal comfort over the need to take action, and at worst as complicit in and defensive of the structures as any fascist. An 'I cant believe it's not facisim' kind of margarine.

Being called a leftist is only an insult if you base your politics on cruelty and hatred. And for such people the idea that you might think about someone else just doesn't compute.

I'm sorry you are having to go through this, it is hard when we realise that our parents are not good people. Especially if they generally treat you well. And often these are the same people who first taught us the basic principles that matured into leftism. To share. To act kindly and be considerate. To tell the truth. To do what is right, not what everyone else is doing.

I'd like to say here is a step by step guide to help your father, but if there is one I don't know anyone who has seen it.

Your father is a bad person.