It would seem that the French are more open to socialism that Americans are. Socialism is associated with communism, which is contrary to American ideals and the American dream. Capitalism is the basis of the American life and economy, based on the principles of "laissez faire" which makes increased government intervention in the economy inherently un-American. (This doesn't mean its right or wrong, but it goes against the principles of capitalism.) The French, when asked about socialism, used words like "equality" and "sharing", implying that socialism is a fair economic system.

The word "socialism" carries many charged meanings in the U.S.  It is often (and usually incorrectly) equated with communism, dictatorships, "red," etc.  Perhaps most telling is the mention of Russia and Cuba - the countries we fought the Cold War against.  Today, socialism is still associated with these entities, but the modern forms of socialism are mentioned as well: Scandinavia, Europe, France, etc.  While the word is highly taboo, we have many socialist programs in our country, including Medicare and Medicaid, social security, the highways, the school system and the postal service.  

Recently the word has come to the surface again in the healthcare debate.  In trying to provide healthcare for all of our citizens, we find ourselves looking to the more socialist programs of Canada, the Netherlands and France.  Opponents find their strongest argument is ultimately that it is un-American, that we fought wars against the communists, and that it will increase taxes (something that is highly un-American).  Are there any such terms in France that carry such polarizing connotations?  Do you consider France to be a socialist country, like many Americans do?  The French responses were more positive than the American ones, highlighting terms like "sharing" and "togetherness," rather than "taxes" and "communism."

I believe that the negative connotations surrounding the world "socialism" stem from the Cold War, but were renewed during the last eight years of Republican leadership in America. Socialist programs, such as welfare, will always be the spearhead of democratic campaigns and the target of republican ones.

President Obama has introduced initiatives (like the healthcare plan, which Jeffrey mentioned) that are inherently socilaist. Over time, I think the American connations of socialism will change if the leasership remains leftist. Obama also implemented a tax cut for the poor and middle class, and a tax increase for the wealthy, thereby leveling out or equalizing some of the economic differences in our country. This is also a socialist initiative.

I didn't actually come across any negative terms from the list of French responses. I find this interesting because the American students vehemently criticized their own economic system (capitalism), while French students seem to generally support socialism. Do you think American students are raised to be more critical of economic and political systems? Is there an argument for socialism over capitalism?

Je pence que le système Américain a beaucoup a apprendre du système français au niveau sociale, en effet les américains ne disposent d'aucune aident de l'Etat comme la sécurité social, ou le RMI (revenu minimal d'insertion)ou encore les 35h de travail. Personnellement je trouve que les américains sont un peu "élevé à la dure" contrairement aux français qui sont "assistés". Chaque systéme a ses avantages et ses inconvéniants. Le rève américain est toujours présent dans les esprits tout comme "the american way of life", mais combien de personnes reussissent et combien de personne font faillite et sont obligé de se battre pour vivre? Avec un systéme comme le votre je pence que les inégalités sociales s'élargissent contrairement au notre où nous essayons de garder les 3 classes sociales.

Vous rapprochez les termes socialisme et communisme alors que ce sont des choses bien distinctes

Le socialisme c'est surtout les liens sociaux entre les individus qui passent avant les intérêts personnels. Pour les politiciens socialistes, leur objectif est de faire passer l'être humain comme priorité, surtout devant l'argent.

Le Communisme est plus compliqué a définir, il y a le Communisme de Staline et le communisme de Karl Marx. En règle général, le Communisme est de placer tout le monde au même niveau et de tout partager, collectiviser.

Ce système est plutôt mal vu, surtout aux Etats-Unis, car la société américaine est surtout basée sur la méritocratie. D'ailleurs le rêve américain, je le vois comme la réussite de tous les individus par le travail.