For many older Americans, the term “socialist,” conjures images of Soviet Russia. They think of a Marxist state, civil wars, Soviet wars, and Stalin. This emotional response entirely overlooks the merits of Democratic socialism, which is a different political identity from communism and even socialism.
Socialism gives governing powers over production to a select few. The “Democratic” preface is important — it means that we use only the aspects of socialism that work within the restraints of democracy. Like most democracies, Democratic socialism gives power to the people, not a handful of elites.
It puts an emphasis on fiscal responsibility and equality of opportunity. Why is this concept so easy for many Millennials to understand, yet stumps so many Americans, especially Republicans?
It May Be A Generational Thing
The Cold War is still a fresh memory for Baby Boomers. They’ve witnessed the horrors and felt the implications of a communist state. However, Millennials are flocking to the term, with 36% of Millennials favoring aspects of socialism. The Millennials’ version of socialism is inspired by the Scandinavian model of socialism and not the type from the USSR.
It May Be An Economic Thing
Many Millennials entered the job force around the time that the United States entered a recession. Interest rates skyrocketed, banks held fast to their loans, and the collective weight of $902 billion in student loan debt has helped to disenfranchise many young Americans. Effects of the last recession had a direct impact on the Millennials’ view of the American dream.
We Already Have Elements Of Socialism
America has already adopted socialism in many of its institutions. Social Security is literally a form of socialism, and even that program experienced initial pushback by the public.
When Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed the idea of allocating government funds to take care of aging Americans outside of the job force, the idea seemed preposterous.
Minimum wage was first thought to be an anti-American idea that was perceived to interrupt the marketplace. The 40 hour work week, the many forms of insurance that we have available, and the enacting of child labor laws were described—at one point or other—as part of a “socialist agenda”.
However, these programs are now accepted parts of our nation. Many politicians are even using these institutions, like social security, as bargaining chips to attract particular types of Americans to support them at the ballot box.
Democratic Socialism Is Inevitable
President Obama’s health reform is spearheading the movement to help families help pay for medical insurance. It isn’t a radical idea to see wealthy countries invest in healthcare. In fact, America is the only first world nation without it.
Whatever you may think, Democratic socialism is coming, with or without Bernie Sanders in the White House.
Featured image is by KOMUNews, available under a Creative Commons 2.0 license.
