Opposing Views of Socialism

There are a few reasons why people oppose the socialism idea, particularly in the time when A Tree Grows in Brooklyn takes place. One is fear. Many socialists were radicalists, and were unafraid to make great sacrifices and to ask (or force) people to make great sacrifices fo their belief. It was also a new idea, and an idea that related to the communism they had seen fail miserably under totalitarian rulers. Obviously, it scared them to consider socialism becuase of this. Another reason is the famous "everyone else is doing it". Many U.S. citizens, support domacracy at all costs, and capitalism. To support socialism is to stick out like a sore thumb, and to have a belief that few support. Children are raised on the beliefs of those around them, and thus they are also raised to be anti-socialists. This conversation between Johnny Nolan and his daughter, Francie, from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, illustrates that point. (the conversation is about riding in cabs for free)
"'Wouldn't it be more of a free country,' persisted Francie, 'if we could ride in them free?'
'No.'
'Why?'
'Because that would be Socialism,' concluded Johnny triumphantly, ' and we won't want that over here.'
'Why?'
'Because we got Democracy, and that's the best thing there is.'"