Title: U

“How to Spot a Communist” (1955)
developed for the public by the U. S. First Army Headquarters

From U.S.A., An American Magazine of Fact and Opinion, June 22, 1955 (supplement).

Events of recent years have made it obvious that there is no fool-proof way of detecting a Communist.  The Communist individual is no longer a “type,” exemplified by the bearded and coarse revolutionary with time bomb in briefcase.  U.S. Communists come from all walks in life, profess all faiths, and exercise all trades and professions.  In addition, the Communist Party, USA, has made concerted efforts to go underground for the purpose of infiltration.

If there is no fool-proof system in spotting a Communist, there are, fortunately, indications that may give him away.  These indications are often subtle but always present, for the Communist, by reason of his “faith” must act and talk along certain lines.

While a certain heaviness of style and preference for long sentences is common to most Communist writing, a distinct vocabulary provides the . . . more easily recognized feature of the “Communist Language.”

Even a superficial reading of an article written by a Communist or a conversation with one will probably reveal the use of some of the following expressions: integrative thinking, vanguard, comrade, hootenanny, chauvinism, book-burning, syncretistic faith, bourgeois-nationalism, jingoism, colonialism, hooliganism, ruling class, progressive, demagogy, dialectical, witch-hunt, reactionary, exploitation, oppressive, materialist.

This list, selected at random, could be extended almost indefinitely.  While all of the above expressions are part of the English language, their use by Communists is infinitely more frequent than by the general public. . . . 

The tell-tale signs of the “Communist Religion” are not easy to detect.  There is, above all, a rigidity in views insofar as they pertain to the Communist doctrine.  This is not to say that the Communist lacks persuasiveness or variety of expression.  It does mean, however, that he will stubbornly cling to the “line” even when proven wrong in debate.  The Communist has implicit faith in Marxist philosophy and in the truth of the “line” as transmitted from Moscow.  Because of this faith, he cannot and will not give ground when challenged on basic Marxist issues or political pronouncements made by his leaders.  The possibility of compromising on these issues is utterly beyond his comprehension. . . . 

His “religion,” then, can give away the Communist.  His naïve and unquestioning acceptance of the “line,” his refusal to accept criticism are excellent indications.  Last but not least, the Communist feels a strong compulsion to speak his “faith” and can frequently be spotted by his never-ceasing attempts at conversion of others.

The “Communist Logic” . . . is diametrically opposed to our own.  Thus the Communist refers to the iron curtain police states as “democracies,” and any defensive move on the part of the Western powers is condemned as “aggression.”  The Communist thus builds for himself a topsy-turvy world with a completely distorted set of values.  For this reason, it is practically impossible to win an argument with a hard-core Communist. . . .  The Communist mind cannot and will not engage in a detached examination of ideas.  Talking to a Communist about his own ideas, then, is like listening to a phonograph record.  His answers will invariably follow a definite pattern because he can never admit, even hypothetically, that the basis for his ideas may not be sound.  This attitude is typical not only for the individual but also on a national scale. . . . The answer is final and no arguments are permitted so far as the Communists are concerned.  The Communist, then, is not really “logical.”  The finality of his arguments and the completeness of his condemnation marks him clearly, whether as a speaker, a writer or a conversation partner.	

In addition to these very general principles common to Communist tactics, a number of specific issues have been part of the Communist arsenal for a long period of time.  These issues are raised not only by Communist appeals to the public, but also by the individual Party member of sympathizer who is a product of his Communist environment.  They include: “McCarthyism,” violation of civil rights, racial or religious discrimination, immigration laws, anti-subversive legislation, any legislation concerning labor unions, the military budget, “peace.”

While showing standard opposition to certain standard issues, the U.S. Communist has traditionally identified himself with certain activities in hope of furthering his ultimate purposes.  Such hobbies as “folk dancing” and “folk music” have been traditionally allied with the Communist movement in the United States. . . . The reason for their choice [of hobbies] is not altogether an attempt to hide political activities.  The Communist’s fondness for everything that comes from “the people” is not an entirely theoretical preference and has found expression in his everyday life.  Most Communists are likely to show preference for group activities rather than such bourgeois forms of recreation as ballroom dancing. . . . 

A study  such as this can lead to only one certain conclusion:  There is no sure-fire way of spotting a Communist. . . . The principle difficulty involved is the distinction between the person who merely dissents in the good old American tradition and the one who condemns for the purpose of abolishing that tradition.

In attempting to find the answer to the question: “Is this man a Communist?” a checklist such as this can prove helpful, although in itself it cannot provide the answer:

Does the individual use unusual language?  (“Communist Language”)
	Does he stubbornly cling to Marxist ideals without being willing to 
question them?
Does he condemn our American institutions and praise those of 
Communist counties?
Does he pick on any event, even the most insignificant occurrences in this 
country for his criticism?
Is he secretive about certain of his contacts?
Does he belong to groups exploiting controversial subjects?

Above all, the approach to the problem of discovering Communists must be detached and completely free from Prejudice.  Using some of the clues mentioned in this study in connection with a factual approach provides the best system at present of spotting a Communist.