Why the American hysteria about socialism / communism?

[medicinehat1]

With the elections in the USA of just over a month ago still a recent event, I am curious as to the hysteria in some sections of American society about socialism / communism? I've seen on Facebook on the official White House page all manner of bizarre discussions between people and just people thinking aloud and you can't help but wonder "do these people even know what socialism let alone communism actually are?" It just seems that anything that isn't "the American way" gets painted with that brush, regardless.

[Ahso!]

I think you're correct. Americans are culturally instructed to appeal to emotions rather than intellect, you can see this in our daily discourse with constant references to feelings being god or bad. Americans chase after 'happiness' and spurn thoughtfulness except when we are trying to make others happy or angry. Its truly a sad situation. But that's how a consumer society functions at its most optimal. Shame, fear mongering and beating each other up are the most favorite pastime activities for too many of us. There are (of course) exceptions to everything and America is also home to many fine, generous and very thoughtful people. Many of the American on this forum are some of those fine people, some others are the other kind, too.

Thank you for dropping by and posting this thread.