During my high school years in Texas, the civics course required a study of Communism. This may well have been a school district requirement rather than a state requirement but it was a worthwhile experience to learn what the movement was about. John Lennon’s song, “Imagine” sums it up very well.
Later, Don McLean’s lyric referring to “Lennon read a book on Marx” indicated that the “Imagine” lyrics were perceived by others as full blown Marxism.
Highly doubtful. Lennon's 'Imagine' was released in October of 1971. "American Pie" by Don McLean was released the following month.