This is one of those subjects that may go off in many directions, so I've put it in the "current events" sub-forum as its more open-ended. The Victims of Communism Memorial foundation has published it's second annual report on US attitudes to Socialism and Communism. (if you want to look at the one for 2016, click here). It is unusual to get polling data on this so it is worth sharing to get a better understanding of American's views and perceptions.
2017 Report
See link to pdf here.
Key findings of the 2017 Report:
2017 Report
See link to pdf here.
If you want to read the 2016 report click here.
Key findings of the 2017 Report:
- Increase in perception that Communism was and is a problem (up by 5% since 2016), including a 10% increase amongst millennials.
- 7 in 10 Americans don't know the definition of Communism or misidentify it, confusing it with Socialism and Fascism. 7 in 10 Americans can correctly define Capitalism (including 51% of millennials).
- 7 in 10 Americans under-estimate the number of people killed by Communism.
- Communist leaders cited as "heroes" to their countries by 10-20% of Americans, whilst favourability of Communist leaders among millennials has dropped overall since last year.
- 59% of Americans would opt to live in a Capitalist country, whilst 34% would opt to live in a Socialist one. (for millennials, it is 42% Capitalist, and 44% Socialist).
- Millennials are the least unfavourable to Communism with 36% having an unfavourable view of Communism, and 44% being insulted if they were called a Communist.
- 68% of Americans do not feel that high earners pay their fair share, and of those 49% favour increased taxation and 37% favour a complete change in the economic system.
- 80% of Americans think that the divide between Rich and Poor is a serious issue with 65% believing it is serious for the Gender pay gap and 67% beliving it is serious for income inequality between races.
- Irrespective of views regarding the favourability of Capitalism, Socialism and Communism, Americans agree that freedom of speech should be protected.