Why do most Americans seem to hate Communism/Communists?

Question

It seems to be me that most Americans (as I am one), don't seem to fully understand Communism and while I am not in the mindset that all Americans should embrace Communism, I don't understand why they can't seem to tolerate Communism. When I was little, I always thought it was a joke to blame things on Communism, like poking fun at ignorant people, but now it has become clear that a good amount of people are quite serious.

It seems like everyone in America that is against Communism acts as if all Communists are exactly like past dictators that have ruled over Communist countries. Am I not mistaken to believe that no part of Communism's beliefs include totalitarinism and that Communism is misrepresented by it never seeming to have been executed correctly?

Answer 1

The two major  Communist countries, USSR and China  really were evil governments that were responsible  for killing their own citizens on a massive scale and they posed a military threat to the US. Most people when faced with complex problems use analogy and so looking at   these examples concluded Communism is an evil system of government. Americans also hate fascism because of Hitler, and they do not  really understand what that means either.

I would  argue that that Communism does lead to totalitarianism even though  it is not part of the theory. For a society to function people must work  and if they are not motivated  the possibility of improving their lives by working harder than  their neighbor, you will have to monitor them and have penalties if   they do not do their share and this  will lead to a police state eventually.

Answer 2

Because this country is about freedom and communism is the opposite of that!  

Answer 3

Communism. Execute. They seem to go hand in hand.

By all means, go find somewhere to experiment with your communism. Just not in America. We prefer a system that works. Free Market Capitalism.  

Answer 4

because they are communist.

Answer 5

Communism ALWAYS leads to authoritarian tyranny. Just look at every nation that has ever tried or is Communist.

Plus it leads to a miserable, sub par existence, since no matter how hard you work, or how talented you are, there is always a ceiling to hold you back. Who wants to do more than the bare minimum in a situation like that? Plus there is no private property rights, and everything is run by an unaccountable government. Which is the main reason why it leads to tyranny.

The only way you get ahead in a Communist nation, is if you are well connected or are a ruthless cutthroat that has a lot to offer the tyrannical leaders.

Answer 6

We hate communism because freedom and communism aren't compatible.

You can parrot this poorly executed c**p all you want.The fact remains.. you cant abolish private property rights and take from one and give to another an still have freedom.

Answer 7

i totally agree. i wouldn't say i'm communist, but i definitely see its point of view. I'm currently reading the Communist Manifesto and i've already read Animal Farm.

       The Cold War is largely what made Americans hate them, even without knowing what they stood for. The worst part is, they act like Communists are some evil people, with death wishes on everyone else. They're simply people with different beliefs and ideologies than you. They're no better or worse.

       As for the actual practice of Communism, it has failed because of corruption. Every Communist state has succumb to it. Largely because people aren't given the right to vote. I think that if people were given rights (excluding property rights), Communism could work and people would be happy.

       I think the best system of government would be Communist, with some Capitalist values, run by a Democracy.

Answer 8

Try living in a communist country sometimes.  then if you like it move there..then we all would be happier..Most people escape the communist countries but the US does not have a wall to keep people in

I guess this is as good as reason as any to say which system is better

Answer 9

The founding of this country was heavily influenced by the ideas of John Locke, who stresses an intimate relationship between private property and freedom.  Both Jefferson and Paine (along with a plethora of the Founding Fathers) were influenced and admired Locke.

Jefferson slightly altered Locke's philosophy in the Declaration of Independence from "life, liberty, and the right to property you earn by your labor" to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".

Jefferson believe that happiness is derived from being able to own the fruits of your labor.  Private property, owning the fruits of your labor, and individualism are antithetical to communism.  Communist do not believe that individuals own their labor or the fruits it bears, but rather the community owns it.

I don't know how a communist can honestly tell me that I don't have the right to the fruits of my labor.

Answer 10

Communism belittles the value of individuals and relegates everyone except the political elitists to be slaves of the state.  It does not promote innovation or individuality and was implemented by force rather than reason.  Stahlin and Mao murdered millions of their own citizens to force it on the populace, usually beginning with the most educated and valuable to the society.  That has been the communist mindset - by force.  If their ideas were really so great and workable, they would not have to resort to that.

Answer 11

Although I don't agree with Communism, I don't hate COmmunism and I DEFINITELY don't hate Communists.