NationStates Jolt Archive

Okay, seriously, I've seen ever so many NSers refer to America as a "pinko commie state." Can someone explain this concept to me? I'm in the dark...

I dunno really. It just has a nice ring to it. :D

Pinko Commie State. Kinda just rolls off your tongue.

Okay, seriously, I've seen ever so many NSers refer to America as a "pinko commie state." Can someone explain this concept to me? I'm in the dark...

A pinko is a soft commie. It's supposed to be a derogatory description of leftie. The "bad" ones were called reds or commies.

As to the phrase, it is a common americanism of overstating the description.

Thanks, TBF!

Okay, seriously, I've seen ever so many NSers refer to America as a "pinko commie state." Can someone explain this concept to me? I'm in the dark...

However, the context in which such descriptions are used usually implies the speaker/author has radically conservative leanings, on political and social issues.

However, the context in which such descriptions are used usually implies the speaker/author has radically conservative leanings, on political and social issues.

except when the speaker is actually a rather hardline communist/socialist/anarchist/other anti-capitalist. then they are usually making fun of the above mentioned reactionaries.

After WWII, The world fairly quickly degenerated in to a standoff situation between the United States of America and the United Soviet Socialist Republics.

This period from 1946-1991 is called the Cold War and was marked by several hot flashes- flashes such as the short-lived land blockade of West Berlin, the Korean War (50-53), the Vietnam War(64-76), and the Cuban Missile Crisis(62).

The ideology of the USSR was one of communism, which is considered the farthest left position. It entailed a society with no personal property; everything was shared equally among everyone. "From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs," is a good way to summarize. The USA followed the idea of (nearly) free market capitalism. Capitalism and communism are in direct conflict (buy vs share) and so there was immense tension between these two powers. Eventually the USA was able to outspend the USSR, and it dissolved into 16 republics.

In any case, to return to your question, the communists prefered the colour red. In a period of extreme anti-communist purges in the USA, dubbed "McCarthyism" for Montana (i think) senator Joseph McCarthy, anyone confirmed to be a communist was called a Red. Anyone suspected of communist leanings were called Pinks. Hence, "pinko commie bastard" was not a term of endearment during the Cold War.

There has been a number of socially progressive programs instituted in the USA that has given it a slightly socialist bent, but it is not really comparable to the USSR or even to European nations.

Isn't it Ironic that all the shrub supporters proudly called themselves the red army and belong to red states?

;)

Don't worry, the irony was not lost on me :p

Isn't it Ironic that all the shrub supporters proudly called themselves the red army and belong to red states?

;)

i've found it fun to call them 'pinko commies' because of that. i say we make it a general policy.

Agreed :D

I'd gladly take a pinko commie state over a theocratic fascist state.

After WWII, The world fairly quickly degenerated in to a standoff situation between the United States of America and the United Soviet Socialist Republics.

This period from 1946-1991 is called the Cold War and was marked by several hot flashes- flashes such as the short-lived land blockade of West Berlin, the Korean War (50-53), the Vietnam War(64-76), and the Cuban Missile Crisis(62).

The ideology of the USSR was one of communism, which is considered the farthest left position. It entailed a society with no personal property; everything was shared equally among everyone. "From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs," is a good way to summarize. The USA followed the idea of (nearly) free market capitalism. Capitalism and communism are in direct conflict (buy vs share) and so there was immense tension between these two powers. Eventually the USA was able to outspend the USSR, and it dissolved into 16 republics.

In any case, to return to your question, the communists prefered the colour red. In a period of extreme anti-communist purges in the USA, dubbed "McCarthyism" for Montana (i think) senator Joseph McCarthy, anyone confirmed to be a communist was called a Red. Anyone suspected of communist leanings were called Pinks. Hence, "pinko commie bastard" was not a term of endearment during the Cold War.

There has been a number of socially progressive programs instituted in the USA that has given it a slightly socialist bent, but it is not really comparable to the USSR or even to European nations.
Another major bone of contention was the fact that the communist philosophy completely rejected religion. The Soviet Union actually banned any form of religion.

NSers refer to America as a "pinko commie state."

Those that call the US a "pinko commie state" are so far to the right (most likely Nazi-types) that there is no reason to even speak to them. Anyone calling the USA a Communist state should either a) suicide or b) see a psychologist. :)

I'm hoping for a state of confusion.

Or at least a nice state of unrest. :)