Why do so many people distrust socialism?

[malificent7]

Is it due to the legacy of Marx, the notion that it's a race to the bottom, the feeling that those who work harder should get paid more or a mistrust of human nature?
I do understand these concerns but what is more worrying if the vast inequality that seems to prevail nowadays. Thoughts please.

Probably all of the above.

China.

It doesn’t work. People are abusing the system, extremely high taxes. Doesn’t matter if you work extra hours to get something extra, the extras will directly in the tax coffers because you hit some tax threshold. Suddenly the benefits like free hospital care, low energy cost etc are not free/low anymore and now you’re paying this as well as paying your high taxes. How do I know? I grew up in a socialist country and lived through all this.

Greed and self interest.

I don't see the problem in people wanting to better themselves and be rewarded a nicer lifestyle for it and if everyone all had the same there would be no incentive for growth and change.

People just wouldn't have the motivation to do anything over and above.

Having said that, I think in the times we live in no amount of harder work seems to get people further and they look at some who do f all for the same lifestyle so the insensitive is lost and they (rightly so) feel more resentful for it.

Hard work should pay imo and people who are willing to get up and take chances and risks to improve something should be rewarded according instead of everyone just plodding along with the same old same old...

Ah yes and the doing extra for some extra money is lost when you just end up paying more in taxes. Hardly a motivation to go above and beyond!

Because it doesn’t work!

Do people understand the difference between socialism in its more extreme forms, and democratic socialism, which is what you find in Europe, the UK, the USA to some extent?

Democratic socialism is about equality of opportunity. That means people having equal opportunity to do well, to thrive, as well as support for those that are unable to manage of their own accord. It's not everybody having exactly the same.

if everyone all had the same there would be no incentive for growth and change.

I expect most socialists would agree with you. That's not what socialism means in modern developed economies.

TBH the extreme of the welfare state pisses people off.

I dont mind supporting those who cannot support themselves, but I have an objection to the workshy and the feckless.

Im glad loopholes have been plugged.

I firmly believe that if you work hard you should be rewarded for that, i also believe that if you want to "improve your lot" you should work to do so. I don't believe you should be punished because you have achieved/succeeded in your work.
That said, i do also think that in a civilised society, those who have, should contribute to those in need. But i feel very strongly that those in need, and those who want, are two very different things.

What do you mean by socialism when you say this, please?

Bolsheviks Red Terror, Holodomor, Chinese famine under Mao followed by Cultural Revolution, Campuchea Year Zero.
That is off the top of my head.

Then it depends entirely what you mean by socialism doesn’t it. I don’t think people do distrust democratic socialism within a capitalist economy at all - well most don’t.

Greed and self interest.

This. Socialism is not communism. Worker's rights, holiday, 40 hour work week, pensions, welfare, NHS were all born from socialism. Unfortunately greed means the masses are brainwashed to believe they are rich when they are not so they become turkeys voting for Christmas.

Animal Farm?

I don’t think people do distrust democratic socialism within a capitalist economy at all - well most don’t.

Unfortunately people seem happy to scaremonger with examples that have no relevance to modern day socialism in the UK.

Many, many reasons but the biggest one for me is the loss of freedom over my future and how I want to live my life. Socialists seem ok with sacrificing the freedom of others. I believe freedom is fundamental to a happy life. A social democracy protects freedoms but also seeks to address inequalities which is probably the best balance achievable. There is no perfect solution.

Yup, Anima Farm sums it up nicely!

Also there is a lot of inequality in communist countries- based on who you know, etc. one elite is just replaced by another. Maybe that’s human nature but I don’t think extremes are the answer- rather a balance between capitalist incentives to drive the economy and the market to allocate resources and ensure we are producing what we need and an adjustment to ensure opportunities for all and help for the vulnerable.

@NoBaggyPants - the op did not specify what she meant by socialism. What even is modern day socialism in the UK?

Funny, I thought all the hard work that went no where was down to CEOs and shareholders monopolising companies, making workers redundant, cutting wages, and taking a much larger share of the pie... But that's capitalism, and done by the glorious rich so it's ok.

Because most people hear socialism and imagine communism.

A social democracy protects freedoms but also seeks to address inequalities which is probably the best balance achievable.

Which is what democratic socialism is. Let everyone that wants to go to university without a lifetime of debt, have meaningful training schemes for those who want to learn a trade, ensure a realistic living wage and guaranteed working hours to all. Then people don't need to rely on the state, they have the opportunity to make their way and know that they are valued.