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What is Socialism and Why is it Important in America?: Exploring Socialism from Karl Marx to Bernie Sanders
Bernie Sanders ignited excitement in American Politics. Across the country people were praising or slurring this new (or not so new) way of approaching government. However, one question was left what is socialism? There is great confusion in the United States about what socialism is and why people love or hate it. This book sets out to explore socialism's historic roots, different experiments in socialism, and how it can be applied today. Topics covered are the - what are the different branches of socialism, such as Marxism, Anarchism, or Communism? - Why did some experiments in socialism fail, and why have we not heard about the ones that have succeeded? - What is a path to socialism in America, and what do different socialist parties believe? This book will generate fresh conversation about a topic that is both timely and important.
42 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2018
About the author
Ryan Rogers
48 books15 followersI received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Baylor University and was also in a philosophy-based honors program. I am currently a graduate student in counseling working on becoming a therapist. I write on the intersection of philosophy, psychology, mental health, politics, and culture. I hope to bring insight on complex topics in ways that are more easily digestible to most readers.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 5, 2018
Good 44 page primer about the history and ideology of socialism up to the current times. It also includes recommendations for other books.
August 5, 2018
As empty as a Stalin era grocery store
Has the bones to be informative but much is left to be desired. I'm sure the intention was to remain short and sweet, but some claims need support or else they can be confusing. Though, this will press the reader to research further.
Has the bones to be informative but much is left to be desired. I'm sure the intention was to remain short and sweet, but some claims need support or else they can be confusing. Though, this will press the reader to research further.
April 29, 2018
Good read.
Mister Rogers lays out a good overview of socialism and why he supports it. I found his arguments against capitalism fell short. Touting better education to prevent totalitarian regimes from sprouting is a bit Pollyanna in approach and the author doesn't seem to understand the inherent costs of running a business. If he did have that experience then he wouldn't advocate that laborers should profit equally. Our system needs to be improved but I'm not convinced socialism or its big brother communism is the answer. A worthwhile read.
Mister Rogers lays out a good overview of socialism and why he supports it. I found his arguments against capitalism fell short. Touting better education to prevent totalitarian regimes from sprouting is a bit Pollyanna in approach and the author doesn't seem to understand the inherent costs of running a business. If he did have that experience then he wouldn't advocate that laborers should profit equally. Our system needs to be improved but I'm not convinced socialism or its big brother communism is the answer. A worthwhile read.
December 8, 2019
Some good information!
This book may be short in length but holds some powerful information. I appreciated that the author didn’t attempt to veer the reader to one way of thinking! Instead just offered the facts! Socialism and the definition of socialism is deep and a tough topic. So well done, and thanks for the time and research he put forth to put this book out.
This book may be short in length but holds some powerful information. I appreciated that the author didn’t attempt to veer the reader to one way of thinking! Instead just offered the facts! Socialism and the definition of socialism is deep and a tough topic. So well done, and thanks for the time and research he put forth to put this book out.
February 28, 2020
Thought Provoking
This book is a short, easy read. After reading this book, I realized that socialism is a complex subject that I don’t really understand. I give the book five stars because the author was able to challenge many of my assumptions in a way that motivates me to further investigate the subject of socialism.
This book is a short, easy read. After reading this book, I realized that socialism is a complex subject that I don’t really understand. I give the book five stars because the author was able to challenge many of my assumptions in a way that motivates me to further investigate the subject of socialism.
February 7, 2021
The author does not explain where the funds for all of the socialist programs will come from. More of a moral discussion than an economic discussion.
The author also does not explain how socialism will remedy the suppression of blacks in America. For example, free "everything" does not lift blacks out of poverty.
The author also does not explain how socialism will remedy the suppression of blacks in America. For example, free "everything" does not lift blacks out of poverty.
December 25, 2018
An overview
A good start at understanding how a socialist views the history of socialism compared to capitalism. If you are a capitalist, it is a good book to gain perspective on how your adversaries thonk.
A good start at understanding how a socialist views the history of socialism compared to capitalism. If you are a capitalist, it is a good book to gain perspective on how your adversaries thonk.
June 10, 2019
Excellent brief review of socialism.
October 16, 2018
I learned a lot from this author, though this little book is only forty-four pages. If you're looking for a precise primer on Socialism and its variants, this might be just what you need. Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews