Reading Blog

America in the early 20th century was enamored with communist ideals because it was an easy way to categorize their fear regarding those of different, possibly more radical viewpoints than themselves. There was an appetite for these ideas because calling someone a communist or labeling something as communist, made the public’s fear more tangible. Therefore their willingness to label their fear increases and since it becomes tangible they believe it is easier to overcome. Although I know more concerning other periods in American history, I do find Communism and McCarthyism incredibly interesting and the publics use of it even more so. Also, Marx’s ideals are extremely fascinating as well and one of my favorite quotes of his is, “Religion is the opiate of the people.” What I find most interesting is the concept of The Black List and the threat that one would end up on it. Liberalism and intellectualism are not always synonymous and Jacoby mentions that one can give up liberalism all together. Although they can go hand in hand because as one broadens their horizons and becomes more intellectual, they do tend to do toward the liberal side, but however not always.