Is socialist a general term of abuse in the US, I've heard some people use it as such?

Question

It isn't used in a derogatory way in the UK, except by some few extreme rightwingers. Jesus' teachings are pretty much socialist, and America is pretty keen on him, it seems.

Maybe I have the wrong idea, just from hearing isolated examples, and it isn't used as a term of abuse.

I'd appreciate any answers, so thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Any political philosophy that doesn't resemble the advanced stages of Rabies is unpopular in the U.S.. I have heard American politicians warning against the infiltration of "liberal" values. I really can't believe there is much danger of that.

Answer 2

Republicans do not like socialism. We prefer a capitalist system. Democrats are socialists who should move to a socialist country.

Republicans do not want a welfare nanny state where the Govt mandates what you can and cant do .  We dont believe in redistributing wealth to people who ride the system or are too lazy or stupid to pull themselves up and improve life on their own, assisted by big GOVT programs and agencies funded by tax dollars of people who work hard.. We like our freedoms, and we have fought hard to win them.

Answer 3

Some people are overly sensitive and will be offended by anything.  "Socialist" is often used in derogatory fashion, generally harmless to a socialist leaning person. I live in Amish country--very socialist-- almost communist. No problem, it works for them.

Answer 4

Not that I know of

Answer 5

"Socialist" and "liberal" are equivalent terms of description, in the view of right-wing and rabidly reactionary elements of American politics.

Similarly, "Fascist" and "authoritarian-militaristic" seem to be appropriate descriptions used by the  left-wing for their antagonists.

Rumor would have it that "democracy" is barely distinguishable within the Washington beltway...

Answer 6

I think it's used by people who don't understand a lot of political theory.  It's basically a flaw in logic: "I disagree with socialism.  I disagree with you.  Therefore, you are a socialist."

Answer 7

No its not.

My guess is most people don't even know what it means to begin with.

People who hate the idea of socialism would use it as an insult.

Similar to your rightwingers

Answer 8

Americans have a full blown capitalist system but the people who live in poverty slowly becoming the majority..... who they gonna vote for in the future?

President Exxon?