"Red America"

[SudieJD]

An interesting email that I received from a Canadian friend:

I've been wondering why the Americans use red to represent the Republicans, the more right-wing of the two main parties, and blue for the Democrats who are more to the left. It's the opposite of what Canada does (Liberal = red, Conservative = blue), and there's quite a bit of precedent for associating red with communism (OMG THE USSR).

At least it provides for some great ironic LOL action whenever I see that Bush Country map or hear Republican supporters talking about a "Red America".


Never thought of it this way! But she's right!

Sudie in MN

[aquart]

1. Oh, I've enjoyed this irony for a long while.

[lapfog_1]

2. Better Dead than Red!

That's my new motto.

[FlaGranny]

3. For some time I've been thinking of just

referring to them as "the reds."

[eleonora]

4. red is the color of dictators

blue is the color of democracy .

I think it goes well with what's happening!

[Crunchy Frog]

5. I think it's appropriate

The Republican party in its present incarnation, very strongly resembles a leninist type party. It has become very monolithic and authoritarian. I am going to start regularly referring to Republicans and RWers as "the Reds". I think we can now start thinking of ourselves as living under a "Red regime", and call it that.

I think this is one way to begin framing the issue. Many of the architects of this right wing coup in fact started out as Marxist Leninists of various stripes.

[SudieJD]

6. Perfect Sense

I think it makes perfect sense. Red is a color that symbolizes aggression (Republicans) while blue represents tranquility (Democrats).

Throughout recent history the color red has always been associated with communism. It would seem odd that any political party chooses to associate that color with itself.

Sudie

[mcscajun]

7. So, the shoe's on the other foot... :)

We're the True Blue Americans...and they're the Red Menace <razz>

[tx_dem41]

8. Actually, Kevin Drum gave the explanation....

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2004_11/005157.php