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[3D Sunset]

Maybe one of you guys can explain to me the American definition of a socialist. In my understanding it means someone who cares for his fellow man. A social attitude. Americans in the news often consider it the root of all evil or so it seems.

Hi Ali,

I just noticed that this request had been left unanswered, so I thought I'd take a stab at it. Let me start by saying, that there is no single "American definition of the word". It means several things in different regions and socio-economic classes. That said, there is probably a "feeling" to the word that is relatively familiar, shall we say, across these regions and classes. I'll try to enunciate it below.

The main issue with the word is all the baggage it brings with it. Ever since the rise of Socialism in the former USSR, the term has been used in America to mean "unlike us". So the "Socialists" were not just different from the "Capitalists", but they were actually felt to be "un-American" (hence the House Un-American Activities Committee in Congress during the McCarthy years). Note also that most Americans could not tell you the difference between "Socialism" and "Communism".

Aside from that, the term has also become synonymous with the concept of taking what is "mine" to give it to someone else whom I have no input in choosing (just seems un-American, don't it!). Thus, the idea that taxes are inherently "socialistic" even thought they are necessary, but raising taxes is especially "socialistic" - if not down right Communistic (seems they do see a difference in that Communism is clearly worse than Socialism... but they're both bad, and probably associated with un-Godliness if not out right Devil worship, so you really should keep your dogs and children away from them too). What's really funny is that most Americans would say they like the stories and approve of the behavior of Robin Hood, even though he is a determinedly "socialist" character. Of course, most Americans don't consider themselves rich either (aside from how even our below-median incomes would rank most Americans toward the top of a world-wide income list). I guess the difference is that the "rich" are always someone else, not "me", so it's okay to take from "them".

There are certainly those Americans that are ready and willing to help others in whatever way they can (even financially). The problem with "Socialism" though is that people view helping others in that way is inherently less efficient since you're trusting a "bunch of bureaucrats" to decide how best to deploy "your" money. Just another side-effect of not trusting the government at all anymore.

I could go on for a few more pages, but I think you've got basic the picture. In short, in America calling some "Socialist" is generally considered an insult... but then again, so is calling them a "capitalist" in a lot of places.

Ultimately, for the vast majority of sleeping Americans, these arguments just become more excuses to ignite their orange and yellow rays to protect themselves and their pack at the exclusion of others.

Excuse me now, I need to take a shower, I'm feeling kinda dirty all of a sudden.

3D Sunset