Why Communism Panic Rises During Elections And Who Gains From It

With Zohran Mamdani now serving as New York City's mayor-elect, expect the scrutiny against him to escalate. His identity as a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, progressive advocate for social justice, and Muslim leader has drawn relentless criticism. Although labeled many things, including a communist, this designation is a convenient tactic for some Republicans, echoing relics of McCarthyism. When conservative factions resist progressive policies, they often resort to calling such initiatives socialist or communist, a habit that dates back to the Cold War. Democratic socialism emphasizes economic fairness within a democratic framework, advocating that healthcare and education are rights, not privileges. Meanwhile, socialism seeks collective control of key industries for the greater public good. Although communism, initially envisioned as a classless society, eventually led to authoritarian regimes, few American leaders support it today. In essence, the fear surrounding these terms seeks to protect existing privileges rather than promote genuine democracy. Dr. Julianne Malveaux's insights capture these dynamics effectively.