Why do Americans Hate Socialism?

[nanook12]

For the life of me I cannot understand it? Just looking up some quick studies the happiest countries in the world are almost all socialist. Similarly, searching "best economies in the word" also reveals primarily socialist or socialism/capitalism hybrid countries?

It seems to me that the writing is clearly on the wall, yet older generations of Americans, looking at you babyboomer generation, desperately cling to their old archaic ways.

So why is socialism such a dirty word in America?

[Independent voter]

Focus on the individual and not the group. Big government is a menace to the individual.

[Theinquisition]

For the life of me I cannot understand it? Just looking up some quick studies the happiest countries in the world are almost all socialist. Similarly, searching "best economies in the word" also reveals primarily socialist or socialism/capitalism hybrid countries?

It seems to me that the writing is clearly on the wall, yet older generations of Americans, looking at you babyboomer generation, desperately cling to their old archaic ways.

So why is socialism such a dirty word in America?

It's not, we have all kinds of socialistic programs in the U.S. We don't like the idea of welfare systems that encourage people to not work at all. We also like to enjoy the fruits of our labors and not give the govt the majority of our hard earned income.

[zorkuus]

Because cold war.

[Plutarch78]

Cause I don't want to pay 50% or higher tax rate for starters like these socialist countries do. And what study are you referring to that says the "happiest" countires are socialist? And people have different definitions of what happiness is.

[Fencers]

Effective marketing and fear mongering, mostly.

[Swizzington]

Socialism?? Better dead than red, commie scum!!

[zorkuus]

Cause I don't want to pay 50% or higher tax rate for starters like these socialist countries do.

Effective marketing and fear mongering, mostly.

See? It works.

[Netherspark]

Money and Russia.

[SL1200]

Because we've been indoctrinated to equate socialism with communisum and dictatorships.

[Ripster42]

Because most people equate socialism with the USSR, not actually successful countries.

[Kalyria]

the happiest countries in the world are almost all socialist

That's just not true. If you're talking about some very wealthy norse countries that got rich during decades of capitalism, those are a minority.
Stop looking at the northern hemisphere alone.

Also - "happiest countries" according to who? Reliable state-run press? I don't think so.

[Karrotlord]

Basically McCarthyism and the Red Scare. It's really that dumb.

[Dug]

Greed and the right wing fairy tale that Hard Work™ pays off and will turn you into a millionaire just like them some day.

[Kataroku]

From conversations with American friends, the capitalist ideal is drilled into them from a very early age. Life is what you make of it, work hard for what you want, expect no hand-outs, etc. It's a very hard mindset to break out from and being labelled a socialist is akin to being called a racist - something to be ashamed of. The fear and impact of the cold war lingers...

[Theinquisition]

Effective marketing and fear mongering, mostly.

America has a very individualistic nature and encourages personal freedom. The freedom to be wildly successful, or wildly rail.

[nanook12]

Focus on the individual and not the group. Big government is a menace to the individual.

*Looks at list of the massive amount of public goods that the government provides it's people under socialistic values*

How exactly is big government a menace again? I mean if I have to choose between big government and big corporate I choose big government because at least it has some obligations towards its citizens where as corporations only allegiance is is profit motive.

[Theinquisition]

From conversations with American friends, the capitalist ideal is drilled into them from a very early age. Life is what you make of it, work hard for what you want, expect no hand-outs, etc. It's a very hard mindset to break out from and being labelled a socialist is akin to being called a racist - something to be ashamed of. The fear and impact of the cold war lingers...

Theses nothing inherently wrong with capitialism.

- - - Updated - - -

*Looks at list of of the massive amount of public good that the government provides it's people under socialistic values*

How exactly is big government a menace again? I mean if I have to choose between big government and big corporate I choose big government because at least it has some obligations towards its citizens where as corporations only allegiance is is profit motive.

Goods and services can be provided under both systems. Neither is perfect.

Big government has issues of its own, such as corruption, kickbacks, pork spending...etc etc.

[Rukh]

Theses nothing inherently wrong with capitialism.

The problem is that people see capitalism as the answer to EVERYTHING. And it's just not. It's only one tool, and not every problem is a nail. If we're smart we can use the right tool for the right job.

[Theinquisition]

The problem is that people see capitalism as the answer to EVERYTHING. And it's just not. It's only one tool, and not every problem is a nail. If we're smart we can use the right tool for the right job.

I believe in a capitalistic system with some social nets to provide for people who have hit hard times. As long as the social nets are temporary and work to get people back on their feet.

American culture encourages personal freedom and accountability. We focus on the individual as opposed to group.