What are the signs of fascism? And what is fascism? Fascism is a complex and multi-faceted ideology that can manifest in various ways, making it challenging to pin down with a single definition. However, there are certain signs, traits, tactics, and behaviors that are commonly associated with it. Here’s an overview:

Traits

1. Authoritarianism: Fascism is inherently authoritarian, advocating for a centralized power structure, often under a single charismatic leader.
2. Nationalism: Extreme nationalism is a hallmark, often coupled with the belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own nation over others — a form of collective narcissism.
3. Militarism: A strong emphasis on military power and aggression as a means to achieve national objectives is common. Many fascists are former military and/or current militia members.
4. Anti-Intellectualism: Fascist regimes often distrust intellectuals and experts, preferring emotion and popular sentiment. Railing against the “Eastern elite” is a common refrain.
5. Xenophobia and Racism: There’s often a strong element of fear or hatred towards outsiders or people considered “different.”
6. Traditionalism: A romanticized, mythologized view of the past and a desire to return to so-called “traditional” values.
7. Anti-Communism: A strong opposition to left-wing ideologies, particularly communism and socialism.

Tactics

1. Propaganda: The use of propaganda to manipulate public opinion is rampant in fascist regimes. Often, conspiracy theories are used to whip up strong emotion quickly.
2. Suppression of Dissent: Any form of opposition is often met with severe punishment, including imprisonment or even death.
3. Cult of Personality: Leaders often build a cult of personality around themselves, portraying themselves as the saviors of the nation.
4. Scapegoating: Blaming societal problems on a particular group, often minorities, to divert attention from real issues. One of the oldest examples is antisemitism.
5. Control Over Media: The media is often state-controlled or heavily influenced to propagate the regime’s messages.
6. Political Violence: The use of violence, or the threat thereof, is common to intimidate opposition and enforce policies.

Behaviors and Beliefs

1. Dogmatic Beliefs: A refusal to consider alternative viewpoints or engage in constructive debate.
2. Manipulation of History: Rewriting, distorting, or hiding historical facts to suit the regime’s preferred narrative.
3. Secrecy and Surveillance: A lack of transparency and an emphasis on surveillance to monitor citizens.
4. Economic Control: Often, there’s a form of state capitalism where the government controls key industries.
5. Social Darwinism: A belief in the survival of the fittest, often used to justify social inequality.

Identifying a Fascist

Identifying someone as a fascist can be complex due to the ideology’s fluid nature. However, if an individual strongly exhibits many of the traits, tactics, and behaviors listed above, it could be a sign. Fascism is a multi-dimensional ideology that can manifest in various ways but generally includes authoritarianism, extreme nationalism, and a range of tactics aimed at maintaining power. Understanding these signs is crucial for recognizing and combating the rise of fascist ideologies.