McCarthyism is the practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence. The term refers to U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy (R-Wisconsin) and has its origins in the period in the United States known as the Second Red Scare, lasting from the late 1940s through the 1950s. It was characterized by heightened political repression and a campaign of spreading fear of communist influence on American institutions and of espionage by Soviet agents.
The term has since taken on a broader meaning. In the early 21st century, the term is used more generally to describe reckless, unsubstantiated accusations, and demagogic attacks on the character or patriotism of those who have different political views. In 2020 it can readily be applied to the tactics of the left in its use of “Cancel Culture.”
Continue reading...