idk where the discourse regarding the "gender neutral dude" landed, although I considered swapping it out for "amigo" but that obviously has its own gendered nature, although I think in English it is suitable neutered ("amiga" means nothing to English speakers except to computer nerds)
unconscious selective use of language, in this case to vilify communists
That's true, the Red Scare has had a lasting impact on American culture, and that impact can still be seen in vocabulary today.
the term pops up so often in the imperial core to crap on (usually BIPOC-led) successful revolutions and their theory, usually anti-imperialist struggles
There is certainly a racial aspect to it, some of the most dehumanizing things I've ever read were about China and Communism specifically, but I don't think that precludes legitimate criticisms of authoritarianism.
I would gladly recognize the American empire's atrocities, I just didn't think it was necessary since most left-leaning spaces are up to date on them, and it would largely be preaching to the choir.
You take the position that China does no bad?