for how many years was it a rational fear of Communism before it turned into an irrational fear?
Thank you, Lance, for my chuckle of the day! :-)
For whom? Americans, Chinese? Japanese, Australian Aboriginals?
In Texas, especially from Dallas westward, some of us see the irrational fear still there. However, if you ask them, it is us liberal commies who are irrational, those folks see it as plain as day: Liberal left wing commie hippie out of wedlock Democratics are trying to take over their oil fields...and their schools...and their communities...and their land.
So you have to define what is irrational, and what the the standard for that decision.
I was called a left wing commie for voting for Bill Clinton.
research
To what country were US troops sent in 1950 to battle Communism?......not an answer but simply a question in which I got "stomped".
The perception of fear towards Communism varied among different countries and populations, and it is difficult to determine an exact timeframe for when it transitioned from rational to irrational. However, I can provide some historical context on the fear of Communism.
During the early 20th century, the rise of Communist movements, such as the Russian Revolution in 1917, led to global concerns about the spread of Communist ideology and its potential impact on existing political and economic systems. The fear of Communism was fueled by events like the Cold War, which lasted from the late 1940s to the early 1990s, and the proxy wars fought between the United States, its allies, and the Soviet Union.
In the United States, the fear of Communism reached its peak during the 1950s, a period commonly known as the "Red Scare" or McCarthyism. During this time, Senator Joseph McCarthy led a campaign to uncover alleged Communist infiltration in various American institutions. Many people were accused of being Communists or sympathizers without substantial evidence, leading to widespread fear and suspicion.
While the fear of Communism may have lessened following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, it is important to note that in some regions or among certain groups, the fear may still persist. As you mentioned, in some parts of Texas, there are individuals who continue to harbor an irrational fear of Communism.
Ultimately, the transition from rational to irrational fear is subjective and depends on an individual's perspective and the specific circumstances.