I've been accused of being an idealist so many times.  It's always used in a derogatory manner which puzzles me.  So I looked up the word to make sure it meant what I thought it meant.

i⋅de⋅al⋅ist

  [ahy-dee-uh-list] 

–noun

1.	a person who cherishes or pursues high or noble principles, purposes, goals, etc.

2.	a visionary or impractical person.

3.	a person who represents things as they might or should be rather than as they are.

4.	a writer or artist who treats subjects imaginatively.

5.	a person who accepts the doctrines of idealism. What's so wrong with that?  -to believe that people can change?  that there is hope for the future?  that life is good and should be treasured?  Guilty.