Ten Signs of Fascism. America has all of them
4 days ago
- #historical-analysis
- #fascism
- #american-politics
- Historians now use 'fascism' to describe current trends in America, with expert Robert Paxton changing his mind after the January 6 Capitol attack.
- Fascism is identified by 'family resemblances' rather than a single definition, including traits like a mythic past, victimhood narratives, and hierarchy/dehumanization.
- Key signs include contempt for weakness, cult of action, leader as savior, purification of institutions, propaganda assault on truth, state-corporate merger, and violence/terror.
- Fascism emerges under conditions like democratic deadlock, elite fear of the left, economic dislocation, and perceived existential threats to identity—all present in America today.
- Understanding fascism as a pattern (not just ideology) helps stop surprise and directs energy toward resistance, with urgent need for broad coalitions to win elections.