Why are Americans scared of socialism?

Answer 1

There are really three ansers to that.

Most Americans value three things: The right to free speech, the right to property, and the right to freedom of religion. Communism goes against these things. In Marxist teaching, the ideal society would contain no religion, and no individual property. Thus Americans fear communism.

There are many reasons why America was so scared of Communism:

• The public associated communism with anarchy and immigrants trying to destroy their type of government.
• There would be no individually owned property and everything would be publicly owned (owned by the government).
• The 'American Dream' is based on the ability to make a successful future for yourself in your own way.
• The American culture is based on ideas of freedom, individuality and capitalism
• Corruption is more likely and would cause more damage with communism.
• Americans are raised to believe that their society alone has complete freedom.
• It removes the incentive and ability to aspire and be greater.

Answer 2

Socialism is a different kind of economy as opposed to the current system of Capitalism. In order for an entire country to change the way their economy works - it would take a monumental restructuring. Change on that level can cause massive instability within the economy, and the nation. This is one of the leading reasons the US may be scared of a Socialistic Change.

Answer 3

I'm not sure that "scared" is quite the right adjective, but it probably has something to do with the twin facts that a) it's traditionally associated with totalitarian governments and b) historically it hasn't worked out very well in the long term.

Probably even worse is that it would undoubtedly result in higher taxes; most Americans feel their taxes are already too high (even though by the standards of most European countries they're quite low).