Dreamways

In our "cut to the chase" world, a patronizing put-down is to call someone an "idealistic dreamer."  The implication is that the idealist doesn't have much of a grasp on consensual reality, particularly the dark side of human nature.  Idealism as a put-down seems to imply that  its opposite - realism - accepts whatever status quo is prevalent and is somehow more savvy and clever.  However, idealism does evaluate the status quo and believes that there are other ways that reality could be. could occur.  One can accept the reality that , say, racism exists, but that does not mean that one cannot desire that it's pernicious impact upon human affairs be lessened or eliminated.  Ultimately, such a wish is not pie-in-the-sky, for oppression ties up many resources in its perpetuation, resources that could be used for other things.