Fourteen Characteristics of Fascism
Dr. Lawrence Britt, a political scientist, wrote an article about fascism which appeared in Free Inquiry magazine -- a journal of humanist thought. Dr. Britt studied the fascist regimes of Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile). He found the regimes all had 14 things in common, and he calls these the identifying characteristics of fascism. The article is titled 'Fascism Anyone?', by Lawrence Britt, and appears in Free Inquiry's Spring 2003 issue on page 20.
The 14 characteristics are:
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism -- Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, 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 through sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in wartime, 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 Cronyism and Corruption -- Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions, and who 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 the assassination of) opposition candidates, the use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and the manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.
[see http://www.secularhu... for complete text of article.]
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Closing paragraph
May 19, 2007 - 14:06 ET by WhichWingClosing paragraph from the article:
"Does any of this ring alarm bells? Of course not. After all, this is America, officially a democracy with the rule of law, a constitution, a free press, honest elections, and a well-informed public constantly being put on guard against evils. Historical comparisons like these are just exercises in verbal gymnastics. Maybe, maybe not."
The one edifying image of a l
May 19, 2007 - 21:20 ET by BlondeThe one edifying image of a liberal troll.......WhichWing.
Seek life elsewhere.
Done with you.
That is a tough list to rea
May 20, 2007 - 00:07 ET by WhichWingThat is a tough list to read isn't it?
(yawn)
May 20, 2007 - 00:14 ET by Free Stinker(yawn)
When faced with that list a
May 20, 2007 - 00:21 ET by WhichWingWhen faced with that list all you can muster is a yawn? That list doesn't alarm you a little bit? I for one hurt a little inside when I read it.
I for one hurt a little ins
May 20, 2007 - 07:07 ET by Free StinkerI for one hurt a little inside when I read it.
Reminds you too much of Hillary ?
WW
May 20, 2007 - 00:31 ET by Noel SheppardWW,
Care to offer a bio on the author, and other works of his? ns
The best I can offer you no
May 20, 2007 - 01:13 ET by WhichWingThe best I can offer you now (all that I've found) is what looks to be a story about him, and brief interview in the Rochester City Newspaper. (He's local to that area.) I will continue to look for more and post anything I find.
http://www.rochester...
PS There are mentions of other things he's written in that article, including fictional novels and opinion pieces, but I've yet to find something I can link you to.
THIS IS THE TROLL ALERT SYSTEM! THIS IS NOT A TEST!
May 20, 2007 - 00:15 ET by Free StinkerTHIS IS THE TROLL ALERT SYSTEM! THIS IS NOT A TEST!
WW- with the exeption of number 4---
May 20, 2007 - 00:34 ET by misterbillWW- with the exeption of number 4---it sounds like the last place I worked before I retired.
BUT-- 14.--fraudulent elections-- Flash Prez election 2008--many illegals vote for Dem candidate
13. Rampant cronyism -- Yawn , so what else is new??? 12. Obsession with crime and punishment---Thank God
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts -- hey I look forward to more roods in urine and Jesus' mother molded out of elephant dung--that is the enlightened lib world for you! BTW-do either of those in front of me and I will give you a fascist fist in the face!
10. Dems do that with illegal immigrant labor now!
9. Corporate Power is Protected -- like what's new?? (Again) (at any time)
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined -- can't be us--if you don't believe me call your nearest ACLU office and check.
7. Obsession with National Security -- but only after airplanes crash into some of our biggest edifices and government compounds. This can be interpreted as you are in favor of us being attacked.
6. Controlled Mass Media -- pardon the vulgarity--you must be shitting me --just look at the MSM--Oh I get it --it's the Liberals who are the fascists.
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause --this professor must be eating his young. We should embrace those who kill our citizens?
I am bored the rst are too easy to see the flaws in the logic just as the ones I have listed. Please go back to class and get some more training before putting uch an ambivalent, asinine post in front of us.
PS Was that from Ward Churchill???
So you agree that a majorit
May 20, 2007 - 00:44 ET by WhichWingSo you agree that a majority of that list applies to our country? Reasonings aside, we are beginning to fit the mold, correct? I'm not concerned, and neither should you be, if its liberals or conservatives, dems or republicans, that's a checklist we don't want to complete.
PS It was from Dr. Lawrence Britt
of course I agree---
May 20, 2007 - 00:51 ET by misterbillof course I agree, and I believe it applies to almost every country in the world. So, what do we do if the whole world (almost) is fascist????
And my question re: Churchill was meant as sarcasm--not directed at you, just directed in general at the world of academe, which so often publishes article re: things that are so obvious one has to know it's a publish or perish environment to have someone wirte a book to state the obvious. So then you slant the obvious to appeal to a certain audience and Voila--you have people, (Sometimes like me) quoting your information in the press and on blog sites.
I am well past an old man's bedtime, but I encourage you to take each item and write the name of a country beside the article that fits the picture. I believe you will find it quite interesting if you do this.
No doubt many nations meet
May 20, 2007 - 01:32 ET by WhichWingNo doubt many nations meet much of the criteria on that list. A point I take from that article is what we should be focused on as a voting body, as opposed to many of the frivolous news items we are bombarded with by the MSM.
If you have a real point to
May 21, 2007 - 10:13 ET by MightyMouthIf you have a real point to make, then counter each item with a "solution" or "alternative". If you don't have either, then what's the purpose? All you have is questions but no answers? Sounds like the typical leftist viewpoint: "Listen to me, I don't like the situation but I can't really tell you why!"
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
MM Is it the old--
May 21, 2007 - 10:41 ET by misterbillMM Is it the old liberal --"my feelings are" ?
PS The key factor still missing in the definition of a fascist state is a supreme dictator. Many other countries have one. We do not. Again--the professor leaves that key part out. BTW what is our "state religion"? I must have slept through that one.
I guess I was being polite--
May 21, 2007 - 10:46 ET by misterbillI guess I was being polite--when I said , "of course" and went on that most nations have many of these traits. I do not agree that they are fascist. I disgree with the professor. Most of these items he listed are necessary for survival of the nation and NOT fascist. Many in academe have too much time on their hands.
misterbill...Like me, I see
May 21, 2007 - 10:43 ET by Jack Bauermisterbill...
Well, as a matter of fact, the National Socialists in Germany were very skillful in using the "arts" to propagate their ideology.
They consistently used the "arts" to underpin their iconography from: film, literature, music, architecture, et al. What they demonized was what they called the "corrupt" Jewish art.
But then, when idiots make broad generalizations to prove specifics, this is the kind of ignorant conclusion the dopes reach.
That a true National Socialist fascist state, which controlled the arts and spent money on the arts, is EXACTLY the same as a conservative free market state which philosophically believes the government should NOT be spending tax payers money on the arts.
How stupid can the author get? He really should try to think for himself. But then he sounds like one of the sheep.
Jack-- was it carved on the Ten Commandments
May 21, 2007 - 11:00 ET by misterbillJack-- was it carved on the Ten Commandments--and removed- an eleventh that says that the thought associations of an college professor are automatically superior to those of Mister Everyman? What is listed above is a collection of thought that leads to a conclusion that anyone is qualified to disagree with. I think the professor was TRYING to be intellectual. I also think the professor's definition of fascism leaves a lot to be desired.
I can even accept the statement that previous fascist states had all of these traits. It's the old syllogism trail--all monkeys are brown--all monkeys have tails--all brown animals with tails are monkeys. Voila!
Take your hands of my minke
May 21, 2007 - 11:07 ET by Jack BauerTake your hands of my minkey!
Here's another good one -- 4. Supremacy of the Military... during WW2 the United States devoted 55% of its GDP to military spending.
Therefore it's obvious: the US was a fascist state, just like Germany!
I did some Googling and fou
May 21, 2007 - 00:13 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveI did some Googling and found that the "Dr." that wrote this may or may not be a PhD, nor is he any type of authority or expert on the subject. Also, it is very similar to 1995 essay by Umberto Eco.
This is also written in a manner that was designed to make these 14 points conform to a preconceived agenda to make the U.S. appear fascist under this 14-point definition. Very curious it was published in the Spring 2003...on an "anti-war" Secular Humanist website no less.
If America is indeed a fascist state, it didn't become that way when GWB was elected and took office, nor will it cease to be when he leaves office. The fact is we are not a fascist state/regime.
The U.S. is not in any sense fascist even remotely approaching the fascism of Nazi Germany, the Islamofascist terrorists, NK, China, or even the Democratic Party.
"Believe what you want. You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine." --Frank Bullitt
I'm curious, the website yo
May 21, 2007 - 00:38 ET by WhichWingI'm curious, the website you saw that questioned whether or not he had the right to call himself Dr., was it actually just a forum question posed by someone, that was in fact never conclusively answered one way or the other? While I cannot answer the question either, I don't understand why you would question something like this unless there was reason to.
I posted a link to an acticle and interview with him a little further up, perhaps he can explain his agenda better than I.
"If America is indeed a fascist state, it didn't become that way when GWB was elected and took office, nor will it cease to be when he leaves office. The fact is we are not a fascist state/regime."
"The U.S. is not in any sense fascist even remotely approaching the fascism of Nazi Germany, the Islamofascist terrorists, NK, China, or even the Democratic Party."
By reading his interview, I don't think this was meant as an accusation of fascism, but as a warning of how easily it can be accomplished with what appear to be rather benign objectives.
"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw
I saw discussion of the ver
May 21, 2007 - 01:00 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveI saw discussion of the veracity on at least three discussion forums. While I know that isn't definitive by any measure of the word, I do find it interersting that when you Google "Dr. Lawrence Britt" the only thing in connection to his name that comes up is this 14-point list you posted. Nothing else. No school, no other work, no interviews...nothing...just this list.
I question EVERYTHING I see that implies my beloved nation is headed toward fascism.
Interview? All I see is an essay/article written by this "Lawrence Britt" no other discussion/interview with the author. You wouldn't be misrepresnting something would you?
While it may not be an accusation of fascism, it is enough to plant seeds in the minds of feeble people that don't think, don't reason, and don't investigate statements such as his and take it as truth. To me there is an obvious anti-America/anti-Bush agenda behind this article. This is the kind of thing that adds fuel to the already raging Bush Derangement Syndrome fire because the people that have already succumbed to BDS use this type of thing as "proof" or a validation of their perceived "truth".
"Believe what you want. You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine." --Frank Bullitt
"You wouldn't be misre
May 21, 2007 - 05:57 ET by WhichWing"You wouldn't be misrepresnting something would you?"
No. As I said, I posted a link to it further up in this thread. Here it is:
http://www.rochester...
"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw
Of course you're misrepresenting, LeftWing.
May 21, 2007 - 10:02 ET by RJOf course you're misrepresenting, LeftWing. This is just your latest attempt to take a shot at America. In the absence of your ability to provide a bio on the author, I'm going to assume that he, like you, is an ardent anti-American leftist.
Most of this list could describe virtually any country or organization. Attempting to apply any of it specifically to the U.S. is just absurd. The list is no more than a broad generalization of humankind's more base impulses, and something to obviously be guarded against. As such, the list is trite and it's creation is agenda-driven, as is anyone who thinks it to be valuable or to contain anything of specific importance.
LeftWing, you are an agenda-driven Troll who posts with a singular goal. Some days your posts number 30-40 (or more?), and always have the same underlying theme of attacking this country.
I also did some looking aroun
May 21, 2007 - 12:40 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveI also did some looking around on Amazon.com. He's got one book mentioned on there and it seems it is out of print. Other than that book and his Essay I can't find anything of consequence that is even mentioned about his education, expertise, or other works. The linked newspaper interview/article was only written because he is a "local writer."
I am sure that most everyone that traveled to Russia or made calls to the Russian Embassy during the Cold War was investigated by the FBI, if he is confused why they would've done that, then he is dense to say the least.
One thing people need to remember or realize is that even with all the problems that exist in our government and nations, we still have a better system of government and more freedom and a better standard of living than the rest of the world does...what is not great about that?
"Believe what you want. You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine." --Frank Bullitt
Four Characteristics of Pizza
May 21, 2007 - 10:26 ET by MightyMouthFour Characteristics of Pizza
1. Tastes good.
2. Bad for you.
3. Has a crust.
4. Comes in a box.
The only problem is, I am not talking about pizza, I am talking about Cheese Cake!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
MM -- I just had an idea...
May 21, 2007 - 10:28 ET by Jack BauerMM -- I just had an idea...
Too late, already been done
May 21, 2007 - 10:34 ET by MightyMouthToo late, already been done buddy...
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Wow... there's nothing new
May 21, 2007 - 10:51 ET by Jack BauerWow... there's nothing new under the sun, as they say (whoever they are)...
WW & Professor Britt are smoking crack together.
May 21, 2007 - 10:54 ET by Dave RWW,
I don't even have to look this Britt guy up to know that he is probably a left wing nut job, who, like most lefties, including you, considers anyone who disagrees with him to be a fascist.
I'd almost be willing to wager the title to my beloved, gas-guzzling Panzer against whatever POS can't-even-get-out-of-its-own-way hybrid you ride around in that this professor has never held a job in the private sector at any level above minimum wage.
Having read through your points, It is painfully clear that neither he, nor you, actually knows what a fascist really is. Furthermore, every single one of those points could easily be applied to liberal Democrats.
-It also demonstrates that both you and "professor" Britt are too stupid to live in a free society.
I do find it rather telling that, as I sit here writing this comment, the Democrat Party is actively working to pass laws that are clearly aimed at making speech they disagree with illegal. -That is all anyone needs to know about the current crop of ill-liberal Democrats.
Here's my rebuttal to Mr. Lau
May 21, 2007 - 11:51 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveHere's my rebuttal to Mr. Laurence Britt's List:
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism – I don’t know of a single nation that does not have a “national pride” and that does not put it’s national symbols all over the place. Canada puts the maple leaf on everything, Mexico is very proud (as a side note, the Mexican aliens (resident and illegal) have a very strong national pride they openly display in our country) they wave their flag and celebrate Cinco de Mayo even in our country. England has the Union Jack on everything, France the Fleur de lis.
2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights – When the U.S. starts teaching everyone that certain peoples or races are “dogs” or “pigs” or “monkeys” I’ll be very concerned. With the exception of the supporters of abortion the U.S. is pretty good at advocating and protecting human rights. The same can’t be said for most African nations, China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, and of course the terrorists.
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause – If you don’t know who your enemies are, you’re in for a world of trouble. The only scapegoating I see today is al Qaida and other terrorist organizations blaming the U.S. and the mere existence of Israel for the world’s problems and the reason/justification for their terrorism.
4. Supremacy of the Military – This goes along with #3. If a nation has a weak military, no country can expect to exist as a nation for very long.
5. Rampant Sexism – The rampant sexism I see in the U.S. is instigated and perpetuated by the Gay/Lesbian activists, NOW, and other Left Wing groups that seek to blame everything (re: scapegoating) on white Christian males.
6. Controlled Mass Media – The control on the U.S. mass media is not governmental control, but an iron fisted left wing ideology that has permeated every aspect of the media most notably Hollywood and the mainstream media. Anything that varies from the approved ideology is derided as heretic (i.e. FOXNEWS)
7. Obsession with National Security – Goes along with #4. The federal government’s #1 priority should be our National Security, otherwise we could cease to exist as a free nation.
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined – The Left along with the ACLU work non-stop to prevent this as if someone was trying to accomplish it. Guess what? Christians especially believe that religion and government should be separate. Just because a person is religious shouldn’t disqualify them for public office. While there are those that would abuse their power the majority of people would strive to remain above reproach.
9. Corporate Power is Protected – Corporate power should be protected from government management and control.
10. Labor Power is Suppressed – Labor power in the U.S. is far from suppressed. Labor power has some of the most powerful and influential lobbies in the U.S.. Labor power is one of the many reasons the U.S. hasn’t adopted more nuclear power (because it would put coal miners out of work). U.S. Labor power is also why the U.S. has lost millions upon millions of jobs to other countries…but they can always somehow blame a republican president as the cause.
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts – It’s hard to have any respect or admiration for intellectuals and the arts when all but a very few of our contemporary “intellectuals” and “artists” are left-wing charlatans that tend to wipe their figurative (or literal) @$$es on a piece of paper and call it art or a scholarly work.
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment – If crimes are committed, then punishment is warranted. But seeing how well the justice system works in this country where dangerous criminals are released back into society without proper rehabilitation (or those that should never be admitted back into society), I would say that our country or large portions of it are obsessed with second chances and flouting the rule of law and authority.
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption – While I don’t find it a valid excuse, this is a problem that nearly all large organizations and governments have. But on a nation to nation comparison with most other countries on earth, I would say that we probably have one of the “cleanest” governments on earth even if the Democrat Party (I know the Republicans aren’t blameless either) has kept people like Ted Kennedy, William Jefferson, Alcee Hastings, Gerry Studds, John Murtha, et al. on the ballots for many, many years.
14. Fraudulent Elections – The fraudulence I see in regard to elections in the U.S. seems to gravitate heavily towards Democrat Party operations and influences. Dead people casting ballots, questionable voter registration, court disputes over an election if a Republican has won, claims of people not understanding how to properly cast their vote on a ballot. For the Democrats, unless the Democrat candidate wins, the election must’ve/had to have been fraudulent.
"Believe what you want. You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine." --Frank Bullitt
Fraudulent elections
May 21, 2007 - 12:05 ET by Cool ArrowFunny you only see voting irregularities in Democrat counties. I can't think of any noted in Republican counties.
Think of all that could have been avoided had Mayor Daley in Chicago not mad his backroom deal with Joseph P (I love Hitler) Kennedy in 1960. Eisenhower was wrong to counsel Nixon against fighting it.
Isaiah 32:5-8
The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful. For the vile person will speak villainy, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD
Riled: 1) You cannot mention
May 22, 2007 - 15:20 ET by UnsaneRiled: 1) You cannot mention history on a WhichWhine post, because history all happened in the past, and because society and technology is so different now, history does not apply and is worthless. You are thick-headed to believe different. :-)
2) You want to hear about some election rigging? Check out the story of Ballot Box 13 in Jim Wells County, TX (1948 Dem primary). It is quite fascinating. I suggest all NBers give that a read sometime.
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
Mean Gene,You get the best-
May 21, 2007 - 12:14 ET by Dave RMean Gene,
You get the best-post cookie for the day.
Mmmmmm! Chocolate-Chocolate C
May 21, 2007 - 12:42 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveMmmmmm! Chocolate-Chocolate Chip even!
Thanks!
"Believe what you want. You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine." --Frank Bullitt
Oooooh no, not the dreaded Sl
May 22, 2007 - 00:53 ET by mastersofdeceitOooooh no, not the dreaded Slow Slide to Fascism! Please fear monger me on anyting but that. What's it been, like 25 years now, with a short break in the 90's?