Why Does Socialism Have a Negative Connotation?

Many western countries out there embrace some aspects of socialism. They haven't become totalitarian states. Yet I feel that many of us in this country (United States) gave been told at a younger age that socialism is bad. "Universal health care?" "No, it's socialist!" A decent amount of Americans also don't know what socialism actually is except it's bad and/or favored by lazy people.



I'm just curious. I'd honestly like to know what everyone else here thinks. Please don't f*** this all up by starting a flamewar. And please don't get me wrong. I am not, in any way, trying to say that the United States should become a socialist state. That's not even the same answer I am seeking. I'm merely asking why socialism has such a negative connotation.



:up: