Survey Finds 1 in 3 Millennials Say They Have a 'Favorable' View of Communism

Brittany M. Hughes | October 29, 2019
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Communism: the economic and political system that places government as the central owner and arbiter of all decisions in all matters of life.

Also known as the governing model that has killed more than 100 million people worldwide.

And the one that – apparently – about 1 in 3 young Americans are ignorant enough to support.

According to an annual survey from the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, a full 70 percent of Millennial voters say they’re likely to vote for socialism in the next election. If that weren't disturbing enough, 36 percent actually report having a favorable view of communism, up 8 points from 2018.

Conversely, only 50 percent said they have a favorable view of capitalism.

In addition, only 57 percent of Millennials said they think the Declaration of Independence better guarantees freedom and inequality over the Communist Manifesto, compared to 94 percent of the Silent Generation.

However, unsurprisingly, it seems like much of this gravitation toward socialism and communism isn’t because of a genuine desire for government ownership and control, but rather ignorance of what the concepts actually mean. While increasing percentages of younger Americans say they’re favorable toward socialism and communism, the poll found a majority of Americans age 35 and under said they trust themselves (66 percent) more than the community (19 percent) or government (15 percent), an interesting break from their alleged support of a government-run system.

“The historical amnesia about the dangers of communism and socialism is on full display in this year’s report," said Marion Smith, executive director of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. "When we don’t educate our youngest generations about the historical truth of 100 million victims murdered at the hands of communist regimes over the past century, we shouldn’t be surprised at their willingness to embrace Marxist ideas. We need to redouble our efforts to educate America’s youth about the history of communist regimes and the dangers of socialism today.” 

 

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