What is Fascism?

Getting terms and history correct are important for democracies.  We throw around labels too loosely to silence the opposition rather than engage in conversation. There is a lot at stake as fascist violence destroys institutions, individuals, human rights and dignity and leads to catastrophic ends.  What exactly is fascism and is the United Stated drifting towards it?    Fascism began with Mussolini and twisted into Nazism by Hitler. It is not an ideology, but a reactionary political behavior – encouraging violent rejection of the status quo. Support comes from below and the fascist leader capitalizes on discontent and promotes “masculine” and exclusive populist nationalism over universal values.  Mussolini’s “ideology” was personal power and Hitler combined antisemitism with eugenic social Darwinism. It is centered on cult of a perceived redemptive, “infallible” leader. Rampant cronyism and corruption are built in. Loyalty to the leader becomes paramount for advancement, payoffs, and safety. Loyalty often becomes more important than competence. Fascism 101 “bullet” points 

• Strengthen the state by subordinating the interests of individuals. Rejection/villainization of democracy, democratic institutions, and norms.
• Political power derived from questioning reality, endorsing myth and rage, and promoting lies. Control of mass media, distorting belief in “truth”, promoting an alternate reality fixated on national decline and the blaming and rejection of liberal democracy.
• “Action” and instinct over thought or reflection. Not focused on articulating doctrine, programs, ideas, or ideology.
• Fixation/obsession with perceived national decline, humiliation, victimhood, national security, crime and punishment, it fosters a sense of the “nation” under attack.
• Capitalizes on feelings about master races, their perceived “unjust” lot and rightful dominance over “inferior” peoples. Racism (often White Replacement “Theory”) is used to show that democratic ideals of freedom, inclusion, diversity, and equality are a threat. Opposes any initiatives or institutions that are racially, ethnically, or religiously diverse.
• Pursues policies for racial purity and unity while removing those defined as not part of the nation. Identifying and targeting “enemies” or scapegoats as a unifying cause. Imprisons and/or murders opposition and minority group leaders, critics, artists, comedians... It is an anti-liberal, (anti-Communist) movement.
• Supremacy of the military and embrace of paramilitarism in an uneasy, but effective collaboration with traditional elites. Fascists arm people and encourage, justify, and glorify violence as “redemptive”. Often seeking to expand territory through armed conflict.
• Disdain for human rights. Rampant sexism.
• Religion and government are intertwined.
• Corporate power is protected and labor power is suppressed.
• Fraudulent elections, undermining democratic norms, and creation of a one-party state.
• Rejection of international systems and institutions.

 Appeal? Why does this become permissible?  That “bad” things “just happen” is unacceptable to the follower who is seeking explanations. Trauma (traditional lifestyles are uprooted or threatened by technological changes, wealth inequity, unequal access to goods and services, and/or changing social mores) allows the embrace of the irrational. Followers reclaim a sense of self-worth and dignity by venting against a world in which they feel unfairly judged and victimized. Contempt for truth and reason (reinforced by mass/social media) reflects the despair of the follower who is frightened, feels disempowered, and may be socially and spiritually adrift and cynical. Political rallies reinforce a sense of belonging, are fueled by confirmation bias, and encourages violence, rejection of and dominance over the so-called “other”. My Turn And so we start a new year. Fascism is destabilizing because it undermines democratic law, checks and balances, and human dignity. There are certainly echoes of fascism in the United States. Each bullet point requires reflection. Having said that, we are not yet a fascist state. Unlike Hitler, but more like Mussolini, our leader has no guiding ideology other than personal power, greed, and corruption.  Some checks remain and Americans are slowly beginning to wake up. Fundamentally, despite ignorance of history and the defunding of education Americans, with all our human flaws, gravitate towards decency and freedom. It is not surprising that a leader who spouts antisemitism, fascism, white supremacy, and conspiracy theories has recruited nazis, racists, antidemocratic, corrupt, anti-immigrant isolationists and less than competent acolytes.  It’s not surprising that he readily utilizes the tools of fascists – including war, violence, and the glorification of violence.  That does not make him a fascist – more of a pathetic wannabe “strongman” who uses whatever he can, including fascism, for his own ends. It is not sustainable. Will enough destruction and corruption pull his supporters away in time for the mid-terms. I hold out hope. Dignity and freedom are things Americans instinctively understand – no matter how long it takes to crystalize. But nothing stays the same. Nothing is inevitable. It really is up to us whether we accelerate towards self-destructive fascism or reclaim our democratic experiment. The mid terms in November will go a long way in determining that.