Should I be particularly offended when someone calls me a socialist or a communist?

Question

I've never found it much of an insult or a derogatory term, especially when it's actually an accurate description of some of my political or economic positions.

Most of the time I just get blank stares when I concur with their charge, as if I'm expected to deny it or be angry. Just wondering what offense might be intended, because none is taken.

True, it usually occurs when said someone refers to name-calling. The curious part is when I ask them to describe a socialist or a communist according to their understandings and in what ways I fit that definition, it typically has to do with topics that we hadn't even been discussing.

I'm not saying they're completely wrong, but what they are correct about usually adds nothing to the discussion. I guess they're just expecting a different reaction, which is why it amuses me rather than offending me.

Perhaps they're upset about the hammer and sickle on the hood of my car. It's just a symbol designed to illicit a response. Clearly it's working.

Justintime, take it easy, I'm working on it. I already know Spanish, I've lived in France, and I still have family in China. I'll be out of your hair in a jiffy, don't you worry.

By the way, you are helping to make my point; I have no problems with individualism, personal responsibility, and hard work. You exemplify the people referenced in my question. Also, as coragryph stated, neither socialism nor communism are political models. Thanks for playing, though.

Answer 1

I don't think you need to feel insulted.

To take your comments a bit further--if you ask people like this (I've met a few) to explain what the terms (socialism or communism) means (what the basic theory and definitions are) you'll find they simply don't know.

Think of a small child who, having herd his parents use a word in an insulting way, copies their behavior in a spat with some other child. The particular term may or may not be derogatory--but the child, who doesn't know what the word means, is using it as an insult because that's what he thinks it is.

That's what is happening here. These people have simply heard others (anyone from Rush on the radio to their pastor to whomever) use "socialist" and "communist" as insults. So they do the same--even though they don't know what the words mean.

Answer 2

No it sounds like not. Would you be acceptable to a move to France or China or Russia or Cuba or Venezlua perhaps?? Last time I looked the U.S. is a democratic Republic founded on individualism, personal responsibility and hard work....let's keep it that way.

Answer 3

Since the people calling you that probably aren't using the term according to its actual definition, it's your choice.

If someone calls you a name using a made-up word or using an incorrect definition, does that reflect more on you or on them?

Socialism and communism are economic models describing theories of property ownership. They are entirely independent of political models, and as abstract concepts, they have nothing to do with any particular implementation of them.

Answer 4

Nah. I 've been called that. I am thinking of buy a Che beret or a Mao cap for mayday. I was joking with my coworkers that I was going to celebrate May Day, but now I found out immigrants are protesting on that day, I'm going to do it to make fun of them.

Answer 5

Don't let the fascists get under your skin. They are scared now more then ever of loosing the White House in '08. Look at the way they smear every Democratic candidate.

Answer 6

Nah, it's just disgruntled right wingers. This allows you to know that they don't have any argument left. Name calling is the only thing they do best next to destroying America.

Answer 7

Better to be called a socialist or a communist than to be called a fascist or a nazi, I always say....

Answer 8

no, because the shoe fits.

Answer 9

If it's the truth you should at least be ashamed

Answer 10

It is either accurate or it isn't.