The Fourteen Warning Signs of Fascism
There are many definitions of fascism. Some are often too narrow, only including fascist Spain, Italy, and Germany. Others are too broad to be useful. However, Merriam-Webster defines it as:
"often Fascism: a populist political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual, that is associated with a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, and that is characterized by severe economic and social regimentation and by forcible suppression of opposition"
But how would we know if a government was becoming fascist? Before it was under the complete control of a dictatorial leader? Fascism is so stigmatized because of Nazi Germany that no government would ever call itself fascist. It's easy to point to fascist societies after they've unleashed their horrors on the world. But how are we supposed to recognize fascism before millions are dying?
Well, Lawrence Britt, in 2003, found that all fascist governments had fourteen elements in common. While most governments can be pointed at to have some, the Trump administration, and the current government of the United States, fits all fourteen elements as well.
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
Constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other propaganda. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.
2. Disdain for Human Rights
Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases. The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, and long incarcerations of prisoners.
3. Identification of Enemies 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. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
5. Rampant Sexism
The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Divorce, abortion, and homosexuality are suppressed.
6. Controlled Mass Media
Media is directly controlled by the government or indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship 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 Intertwined
Governments use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders.
9. Corporate Power 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.
10. Labor Power Suppressed
Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely or severely suppressed.
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education and academia. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked.
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.
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
Fascist regimes 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.
14. Fraudulent Elections
Elections in fascist nations are often a complete sham. They may use foreign governments to help maintain power through ballot manipulation, intimidation, and when necessary, assassinations.