Yael Bridge demystifies and destigmatizes socialism in “The Big Scary ‘S’ Word,” her feature doc debut. “Socialism is as American as apple pie,” Cornel West insists in a new trailer for the project. Timed to coincide with Labor Day weekend, the doc will hit theaters and on demand September 3.

An exploration of the history of the American socialist movement, “The Big Scary ‘S’ Word” suggests that, “contrary to popular belief, socialism is in fact deeply American and led to popular government programs such as public schools and Medicare,” per its official synopsis.

“Most socialists begin with a critique of inequality,” we’re told in the spot. “Basic human rights need to be provided for.” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez explains, “Democratic socialism is the value that in a modern, moral, and wealthy society no person should be too poor to live.”

“The Big Scary ‘S’ Word” has screened at Hot Docs, AFI Fest, and DOC NYC.