Why do liberals like communism?

Question

I have to write an essay about that, but where do I start?

It's not my fault I got assigned this essay...seriously...

Answer 1

If you have to write this essay here is an opportunity for you to:

1. Explore the development of an political ad hominem attack

2. Examine American paranoid rhetoric and its use against dissident groups.

3. Read Marx and get a better understanding of what he was actually talking about

4. Understand the difference between being a social progressive and social; radical.

First read the communist manifesto - especially the reccomendations. It may surprise you how many we actually follow.

Answer 2

Who assigned you that topic? Did you make it up yourself? If you are going to write an essay asking why, you first should confirm that your premise is valid.

The general statement "liberals like communism" is not generally true. In fact, the opposite is often true. Liberals who believe that everyone has the right to speak freely and publish their opinions, or who believe that the criminal justice system should guarantee a fair trial to the accused, oppose communism as it exists in the world today.

"Liberals" like Richard Gere and Jimmy Carter have often openly opposed Communist regimes, criticizing them for their human rights violations.

If your essay question were worded "What features of communist philosophy are supported by some Americans today?", you might find the answers here more helpful.

You could then talk about the utopian ideal of communism, where there are enough resources to go around and everyone is guaranteed to receive their share.

EDIT- Seriously, if this is the exact assignment you were given, it is a completely inaccurate, inappropriate injection of the teacher's own bias. It is no more valid than "Why do conservatives like fascism". Both are just terribly wrong generalizations. Talk to the principal about this assignment.

Answer 3

Hey, AJ. That's a good question, although it is somewhat broad. Not "all" liberals like communism, of course. But the reason why some, if not most liberals like it is because it fits in with their personal worldview. Communism is a form of collectivism, which simpy means that society (i.e., the government) owns the means of production and distribution of economic goods. Capitalism is exactly opposite: the individual owns the means of production and distribution. So at the very basic level, what we have here are two competing worldviews. It's the individual, or it's society. Ask yourself, AJ, who would like a worldview that requires all property to be owned and distributed by society? Who would like a worldview that requires all property to be owned by the individual? The major problem with society owning everything is: who decides what to produce and distribute? Who gets what? If you think about it, such decisions can be made only by individuals. There really is no such thing as a society that makes decisions. It is, rather, people within society that makes decisions. Yes, people. Individuals. So wouldn't you imagine that somebody with the power to decide who gets what in a communistic society would have ENORMOUS power? I say that this is the main reason anyone, not just liberals, are attracted to communism. Power is like a drug to some people.
But because one of the central tenets of modern liberalism is the state (i.e., the government) should work to solve all social issues, modern liberals are attracted to communism, because that is what communism is supposed to do. Even so, AJ, when you take the time to look closely at communism, and its' dismal track record, you have to wonder why anyone would like communism in spite of its' huge failures in human history. So again, I maintain that some liberals like communism because it gives them a way to have power. It's a psychological thing at the root, and to make a very long story short, people go after power over others because they feel inadequate unless they do. They have no sense of self-worth unless they have or hold some sort of power.

Answer 4

Who gave you an essay like that? Give me a break. Refuse to write it and ask for something that will actually help your thinking. As a liberal, I hated Communism. I really really love democracy. I just refuse to let other people tell me what democracy is supposed to look like when it involves blind obedience. If that is the type of assignment given to you, go to a better school. If that is one you chose, talk to the connies who know us better then we know ourselves.

Answer 5

They feel that "a rising tide lifts all ships". They feel that economic redistribution makes the most sense. Some people think that when you take competitiveness out off society you get a more peaceful, less hateful society. That being said, I do not think that the former soviet leaders lived the same life style as the people kept from crossing the wall. Also the wealthy liberals like john"two Americas" Edwards, and Hillary did not volunteer their extra income that they made being a couple lawyers to help the govt out.

Answer 6

it is an unfair proposition. communism is as dirty a word to liberals as it is to conservatives.
however the two philosophies have things in common that are not common to conservatism.
ideologically both would strive to care for the lower classes redistributing wealth via government intervention for example.
but as nice as it is to know that their may still be a conservative teacher left in our public schools, dont let this guy fool you. he/she is trying to get you to equate the oppressive evils of how communism has historically been employed with modern day liberalism and their is no such equation to be made.
as misguided as i may think liberals are (and i do), i recognize that their motives are good and so should you.
i think it would be perfectly fair for you say that after a survey of dozens of politically involved people, from both sides of the isle, here is an exhaustive list of the reasons that liberals like communism:
then a would attach a few blank sheets of paper.

Answer 7

You are obvious ill informed. Do some research. Learn exactly what communism and liberalism is all about. Liberalism has nothing at all to do with communism. And I seriously doubt if you were assigned that exact topic.

Answer 8

If you are asking such an inane question,. I say forget the essay... you will fail anyway.

Now, just who told you liberals liked communism. Come on lets see the list of books you got that info from.

Better do a little of your own homework, sweetie and turn off Fox News.

Answer 9

Do you have a source for this? I am a liberal as are most of my friends and none of us like communism. Do you even know what a 'liberal' is? Did you also know that it was liberal ideas carried out by liberal thinking people that founded this country? Chew on that awhile . . . or at least get your facts straight by studying about an hour's worth of US history. The Declaration of Independence and The Bill of Rights were radical, leftist and liberal philosophy for their time, so show some respect . . .to the liberals of this country. We keep the rest of you honest.

Answer 10

Not Communism....Socialism. Give all your money to the government, and then the government will do everything for you. Dems think that the American public is not smart enough to do things themselves.

i.e- universal health care-
Dems think that if everyone has health care, we'll all be healthier and happier. Wrong. All you have to do is look at Europe and Canada. If you have good health, you'll be okay. But God forbid you get sick, you'll be waiting in line to get better. All the welfare people, waiting for their handouts, are going to be clogging up the doctor line.

i.e.-Welfare-
Go to the projects in Chicago. This is government housing for those people who can't afford to get their own. Is it a place you would want to walk your dog in, or have your child play in....no it's not.

i.e.-eduaction-
The Dept. of Education is the most wasteful use of money. American public schools are very close to bottom, when ranked among other countries. The money needs to go to the states, and then the states can implement what's best for their state.

Why do people think that if the federal government is in charge of something, that it is automatically better?