On Fascism
I have included an essay about Fascism in this collection of essays because it seems the word is being tossed around more often lately, and at groups along the entire spectrum of political ideologies. So let’s try to find out why that could be.
The word fascist has an interesting etymology or origin. The word comes from the Italian fascio, which means “group” or ‘association”, literally “bundle”, from the Latin fasces. The word fasces refers to a “bundle of sticks” and was used by the Romans as a symbol of united power, the idea being that a group of bundled sticks is stronger than one stick alone. The symbol of fasces appeared on the reverse side of the U.S. Mercury dime, and also appears behind the podium in the U.S. House of Representatives.
So fascism reminds us that in unity there is strength. But in this case not democratic unity, rather the unity that comes when a totalitarian leader does the unifying. And historically, it was Benito Mussolini, in 1919 with his National Fascist Party who is most associated with the term fascism. Fascism spread after that, most notably to Germany where Hitler made it work most effectively.
But why then, in these modern times, do those on the left call those on the right fascists? And those on the right have called those on the left fascists, as well. The word has simply come to be an insult, even if we don’t know what it means when we call someone by that name. But they are fighting words, and that seems good enough.
The majority of scholars consider fascism more right-wing, and conservative, and seen as an ally of capitalism. Democracy has often been characterized as messy, which is no way to run a business. With order comes structure and the power to enforce that order, a much better way to run a business, or a government, if you happen to be the one in charge, or part of the favored group.
The problem that is seen with fascism is that there is a streak of racism in it, and sometimes a good deal more than a streak. There seems always to be an “other” to be against. So as long as you’re part of the group, you’re in the fight against those who are ruining things. Fascism could be described as the vehicle, the mechanism by which the desired order—authoritarianism—is achieved. If there are markers or characteristics of this sort of movement, watch for: little concern over the use of violence when necessary; disregard for facts, and an abiding fondness for sowing division. It’s all about power.
Fascist: A fascist is a follower of a political philosophy characterized by authoritarian views and a strong central government — and no tolerance for opposing opinions.
Fascism: A governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.