I’m feeling a bit creatively zapped under the weight of the news that Captain Brain Worm, the recovering heroin addict (RFK Jr.) wants to take away my ADHD meds and send me to a “wellness camp” — for my health.
So, I’m just gonna write about fascism — and it’s inverse.
Happy Presidents Day!
fascism.
There are a lot of definitions out there, including ones that exist purely on vibes.
It’s a fuzzy political ideology that is obsessed with national and racial identities, hierarchy, and dictatorial/authoritarian power to suppress or crush opposition. Among the most widely accepted and cited descriptions of Fascism, come from the work of Umberto Eco.
Umberto Eco (1932–2016) experienced Mussolini’s regime firsthand, and combined with extensive studies of historical fascist movements, he outlined the 14 key features of what he termed “Eternal Fascism” in his 1995 essay “Ur-Fascism.” Eco emphasized even the presence of one of these features could allow fascism to develop — keep this in mind.
thesis.
Below are the 14 key traits of Fascism according to Eco (with some light edits of the descriptions — for readability).
Call me crazy, but doesn’t some of this looks familiar?
- The Cult of Tradition
A belief in returning to a mythical past to restore national greatness. - Rejection of Modernism
Hostility towards intellectualism and modern culture, favoring emotion over reason. - Action for Action’s Sake
Valuing action without reflection, leading to impulsive decisions. - Disagreement Is Treason
Intolerance of dissent, viewing opposition as betrayal. - Fear of Difference
Exploiting xenophobia and racism to unify supporters against perceived outsiders. - Appeal to a Frustrated Middle Class
Targeting those feeling deprived and offering simple solutions to complex problems. - Obsession with a Plot
Promoting conspiracy theories to create a sense of threat. - The Enemy Is Both Strong and Weak
Depicting adversaries as simultaneously powerful and feeble. - Pacifism Is Trafficking with the Enemy
Viewing peace efforts as collusion with adversaries. - Contempt for the Weak
Disdain for vulnerable populations, promoting a hierarchical society. - Everybody Is Educated to Become a Hero
Glorifying self-sacrifice for the nation. - Machismo and Weaponry
Emphasizing traditional masculinity and a fascination with weapons. - Selective Populism
Claiming to represent the true voice of the people, often excluding minorities. - Newspeak
Using simplistic language to limit critical thought.
antithesis.
Let’s just quickly flip all 14 and see what the alternative might look like in opposite land.
- Critical Engagement with History
Value progress and innovation over blind reverence for the past. - Embrace of Modernity and Reason
Trust science, evidence, and rational discourse. - Action Guided by Ethics and Reflection
Prioritize thoughtful decision-making and accountability. - Celebration of Dissent and Debate
Encourage free expression, constructive criticism, and accountability for institutions of power. - Celebration of Diversity and Pluralism
Promote inclusivity and multiculturalism, recognizing that differences give us a broader range of perspectives. - Addressing Systemic Inequities
Focus on solving root causes of injustice and poverty. - Transparency and Trust in Institutions
Build systems of accountability and reject unfounded conspiracies. - Honest Assessment of Power Dynamics
Evaluate opposing views based on merit and evidence. - Commitment to Diplomacy and Peace
Value dialogue, de-escalation and international cooperation. - Empathy and Solidarity with the Vulnerable
Support social safety nets and uphold dignity for all. - Valuing Ordinary Life and Collective Care
Prioritize community, connection, belonging and well-being over hyper-individualization, myth, and glorification of ‘heroic’ sacrifice. - Gender Equality and Demilitarization
Challenge patriarchal norms, and reduce reliance on violence as a central strategy. - Inclusive and Participatory Democracy
Ensure equal representation and reject divisive populism. - Direct and Honest Communication
Protect open discourse and media literacy.
distinctions.
Here are the big differences as we move away from fascism.
- Critical thinking over dogma.
- Human rights over hierarchy.
- Cooperation over domination.
- Transparency over manipulation.
- Progress over regress.
What is wild to me, is that when we look at these 14 attributes, and consider its inverse perspectives, the choice should seem so painfully obvious.
amorphous.
Yet there are some who would insist for me to even call what is happening “fascism” is irresponsible and alarmist.
It wasn’t a roman salute, it was saying ‘my heart goes out to you’
They’re not concentration camps, they’re ‘wellness camps’
Calm down, we have laws against that sort of thing.
Here’s the thing about that…
Fascism is slippery because, as Eco and others have noted, it is prone to adaptation. It’s opportunistic, lacking in a singular coherent ideology but rather rooted in the pursuit of power which, throughout time, has continued to rely on many of the same exploits.
action.
And so, here we are, living through another era where deeply unqualified people are given high ranking positions because they are loyal, reject intellectualism and reason, and promote hierarchies and dominance while distorting language whenever necessary to achieve their goals.
I do not know what we ought to do, but I know that we ought not to.
- We ought not to mince words.
- We out not to give up hope.
- We ought not to cede the fight to people using a tired playbook of genocidal maniacs who came before them.
I, for one, am tired. For the moment, I am drained of my creative energies.
But, for as long as I stay in this fight, I will keep pointing at fascists and calling them by name. I will keep using my voice until they either drag me to the wellness camp, or I retreat and escape for the safety of my family.
I hope one of you reading this decides to step up and join the fight. Because the antithesis of fascism looks like something worth fighting for.
