I copied this from another post's comment, who copied it from Wikipedia, who copied it from Mussolini's lips. But it was so stunning a definition of fascism, to me, that I decided it has to be re-posted!
The other article was asking if Bush was a fascist, but I change that question to ask if you are. Are you a fascist? Does the modern U.S. promote fascism abroad and for it's own citizens? Here's the definition:
from Wikipedia:
"Mussolini defined fascism as being a right-wing collectivistic ideology in opposition to socialism, liberalism, democracy and individualism. He wrote in The Political and Social Doctrine of Fascism:
Anti-individualistic, the fascist conception of life stresses the importance of the State and accepts the individual only insofar as his interests coincide with those of the State ... "
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Comments: 35
Oh I do know what it is but I don't even get
into this sort of stuff!
So who is it?
There is a "real" fascism out there that JUST won't let itself be called by name!
I had two brothers in WW2,and to see a photo of Hitler,makes my stomach turn.
They say neo-cons are fascist,and liberals are socialist......Me,I'm a Democrat,tho not completely liberal.
The best government is the least government.
Main Entry: fas·cism
Pronunciation: 'fa-"shi-z&m also 'fa-"si-
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian fascismo, from fascio bundle, fasces, group, from Latin fascis bundle & fasces fasces
1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
2 : a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control
The American Heritage Dictionary defines Fascism as a system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. A Fascist is an advocate of such a system.
The word is based on the Roman symbol for power, the Fasces, which is an axe with reeds bound to its handle.
Karl Leuba - thanks a lot for adding that extra info! Very good!
Who was his writer? HA.
MH
How does corporatism fit into fascism? We are definitely a "world order" of international SUPER business. The U.S. is being sold off to the highest bidder. What's that got to do with nationalism. I think Bush has used the language of fascism (creatively re-spun) to get us all flag waving real fast. But was it for nationalism or corporatism?
I get confused. Who started this stupid article?
Fourteen Points of fascism ~
1.) Powerful and Continuing Nationalism: Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic motto, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.
2.) Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights: Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.
3.) Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause: The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.
4.) Supremacy of the Military: Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
5.) Rampant Sexism: The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.
6.) Controlled Mass Media: Sometimes the media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.
7.) Obsession with National Security: Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.
8.) Religion and Government are Intertwined: Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.
9.) Corporate Power is Protected: The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.
10.) Labor Power is Suppressed: Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed.
11.) Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts: Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.
12.) Obsession with Crime and Punishment: Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.
13.) Rampant Crony ism and Corruption: Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.
14. Fraudulent Elections: Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.
If you're not OUTRAGED you're not paying attention.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines Fascism as a system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. A Fascist is an advocate of such a system.
I think I am a facist in my own home. I censor what my kids can watch, what my husband can watch in front of the kids, how much my hubby can spend on "his junk" and the overall budget, I keep a tight control over my kids by promising punishments and/ or retribution, and no one is allowed to talk back to me in a nasty way. I will stop short of saying I am a dictator as I compromise and make deals with everyone involved, but wow I never thought of myself like that. Now I don't know if I should cry or if I should wield my power like a mighty sword. LOL LOL. Thanks for the article.
I have the short form on a postcard. Thanks for the info about it being in a magazine in 1939.