Un-American

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Un-American is a pejorative term used in the United States. The term can go as far as claiming that the individual has been committing treason against the United States.

The most famous use of this is the House Un-American Activities Committee which was started to combat Nazi and KKK activity during World War II, and evolved into working to weed communists out of the government, then Hollywood and later the rest of the world.

Contents

[edit] Modern Usage

Recent years have seen the term applied quite liberally regardless of political persuasion. It is most often used by a person commenting on the beliefs or actions of others that they believe is contrary to American values[1]. This highlights the extremely subjective definition of the phrase.

Additionally, liberals/progressives have described as un-American, due to recent US Federal legislation that they view as an attack on civil liberties[2]. Also the term (or similar sentiments) has been used by members of the Bush Administration or supporters in the media to describe actions or beliefs that are critical of US Government foreign policy or domestic agenda.[3].

As a result of overuse of the word, it is often used in a satirical or parodying manner.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Take Action: Speak out against O'Reilly's hate speech
  2. ^ Legislation Advances on Terrorism Trials
  3. ^ Anti-American and unaware

[edit] External links

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