10 Things Everyone Should Understand About Socialism

10 Things Everyone Should Understand About Socialism
10 Things Everyone Should Understand About Socialism

10 Things Everyone Should Understand About Socialism

Cover photo credit. Socialist Party USA

Socialism as a political ideal is relatively new, less than 200 years old in its present form, but during the 20th century the tensions of the Cold War came to dominate international politics.  America, cast as one of the defenders of the capitalist system inevitably viewed socialism with antagonism and suspicion. The result of this ideological struggle is that while the modern USA is a moderate but right wing capitalist democracy, the American left is positioned further towards the right of the political spectrum than its equivalent

in many other countries.

Socialism as a political ideal is much more than just ‘Communism Light’.  It is a sophisticated belief system that has evolved to form the basis of many of the world’s most progressive and respected nations today, countries such as Denmark, Norway and France.  Such nations strive to allow the original ideals of socialism to flourish far removed from the rhetoric of communism providing high quality healthcare free at the point of need, a genuinely good education system and social security for those who need it.

So is socialism a dangerous step on the road to communism?  Should we be suspicious of socialists and their desire to bring the state into every corner of our lives?  Do socialists really want to bring an end to private property and make women a communal asset of society?  In order to separate the fact from the fiction here is our list of 10 things everyone should understand about Socialism.

10Socialism is older than you think

Socialism has been around for a while

9The French Formed the First Socialist Government

The French are Socialists

8Socialism is not Communism

Socialism as a gateway drug to communism… Maybe

7Socialists Are Not Necessarily Atheists

Socialists aren’t necessarily atheists.

6Socialists Believe That Inherited Wealth Is Incompatible With A Socialist Society

Sorry honey. Cough up that inherited dough. The socialists need it.

5Socialists Are Not Against Private Ownership Of Property

Your dream house is still a reality under Socialism

4The US Democrat Party Are Not Socialists

U.S. Democrats aren’t socialists

3Socialism Is Not Inherently More Or Less Fair Than Capitalism

Socialism, kinda like robin hood.

2Socialists Are Very Active On Environmental Issues

Socialists are nuts about the environment

1Socialism can coexist and even thrive in a democracy and vice versa

Blame Canada. Or merely copy their model, it’s pretty good, eh!