How the Left Has Redefined "Fascism" Since 1979 to Make It Fit Their Narrative

Fascism is a complex political ideology with many facets. It rose to prominence in the early 20th century, most notably in Italy under Benito Mussolini and in Germany under Adolf Hitler. However, it's worth noting that the specific characteristics of fascism can vary depending on the country and historical context.

Based on resources available prior to 1979, the following are four commonly referenced characteristics of fascism:

Authoritarianism and Dictatorship: Fascism is often associated with a single strong leader who possesses ultimate authority, often ruling with an iron fist and suppressing political dissent. The state's power is absolute and often maintained through violence or the threat of violence.
Nationalism and Ultra-Nationalism: Fascism is marked by an intense focus on national unity, often promoting the idea that the nation and its people are superior to others. This extreme form of nationalism can be used to justify aggressive expansionist policies.
Militarism and Imperialism: Fascist regimes often have strong military institutions and encourage a martial spirit in their citizens. They may adopt imperialistic policies, seeking to extend their country's power and influence through force.
Totalitarianism: In a fascist state, the government seeks to control all aspects of life, including the economy, education, art, and even personal beliefs and attitudes. This total control is often used to propagate the state's ideology and suppress dissenting views.

It's important to note that while these are general characteristics, not all fascist regimes exhibited every characteristic to the same degree. For example, while Nazi Germany heavily employed race-based ideology as part of its fascism, this was less of a focus in Italian Fascism. Fascism is a contentious subject of study and these points provide a simplified overview of its complex nature.

Now compare the above to what follow...

Fascism described by sources after 1979 from Chat GPT4

While the basic understanding of fascism has remained relatively consistent since it rose to prominence in the 20th century, some scholars have further refined the definition [my emphasis] and characteristics since 1979.

[Pause: So why the need for a "further refined definition"? Because on the face the classic definition of Fascism is nothing like the right. The right/conservatives in America believe in less government and more individual freedoms. The right want a smaller State and decentralized power in general. But todays leftist and progressives want a bigger State and more centralized control over parent, kids, schools, media and less freedom of speech. Oops!]

A contemporary definition of fascism still includes its most identifiable characteristics from the earlier definition, but also often includes additional considerations, such as:

Authoritarianism and Dictatorship: This has remained a core characteristic in modern interpretations. Fascist regimes are typified by dictatorial power, central authority, and the suppression of opposition through the use of force and censorship.
Ultra-nationalism: A focus on the supremacy of the nation or race, often leading to xenophobia, racism, and exclusionary practices. This is often tied to a mythic past and a rebirth narrative, where the nation is portrayed as returning to a time of historic greatness.
Populism: While earlier interpretations of fascism focused more on top-down power dynamics, more recent interpretations acknowledge that fascist leaders often use populist tactics to gain support. This can involve pitting the "pure people" against a "corrupt elite," or against minority or marginalized groups who are portrayed as threats.
Palingenetic ultranationalism: This is a concept developed by scholar Roger Griffin to describe the mythic narrative of rebirth that is often central to fascist ideologies. The belief is that society is in a state of decay or crisis, and must be reborn into a new and purified state. This narrative can be a powerful tool for mobilizing support and justifying extreme measures.

In addition to these, elements such as an obsession with societal decline, youth indoctrination, sexism, and a hierarchical view of society are often noted in modern interpretations of fascism. Fascism is a complex and heavily debated concept, and definitions can vary between scholars and regions.

Why the "re-definition" which Chat GPT4 calls "further definition?" Notice what is now inclued by left leaning scholars like Griffin:

Xenophobia. Really? Were Hitler ad Mussolini merely afraid of foreigners? I don't think so. Xenophobia is light years away from what the Fascists did in WWII and the years leading up to it.

"Rebirth narrative where the nation is portrayed as returning to historic greatness." - This over generalization lumps a return to good things in the past with Hitlers totally fabricated and manacle myth of the super-race and Teutonic glories, conquest, etc. This redefinition allows the left to lump even the most innocent grandma wishing for a return to the day where you didn't have to lock your doors in with hated groups on the "right" (which they never actually define what "right" is). Grandma is "privileged" and probably lived in an all white neighborhood, etc. etc. Heaven forbid anyone wave the American flag! Fascism for sure in the progressives' redefinition.

"Populist tactics" - This is code word for any conservative or right leaning politician who has popular support. While Hitler may have started with populism, he very early made it clear with his rise to power that dissent was not allowed and would be crushed ruthlessly and violently. And in his Mein Kampf he made this clear years before he rose to power. His agenda was not hidden! But this "further refined" definition allows the left to lump anyone they don't like. If 90% of voters support a certain conservative view then it's mere "populism" and part of Fascism.

Finally there is Palingentic Ultranationalism. What the heck is that? Griffin describes it as a "mythic narrative of rebirth" and as we said before, this vague over broad trait is used to villainize even the most innocent or obviously correct points of the left's opponents. If you admit that things are in "a state of decay" such as the Southside of Chicago, then you are a hateful Fascist. So today if a CEO were to say they believe in marriage as being only between a man and a woman (never mind that is a biological, spiritual, and cultural thing that goes back millennia and in 3/4 of the world is fully embraced today despite the liberals in the West) he or she is branded the "aggressor" and "hater" and Fascist. Violence and punishment are called for and this opinion to be stamped out and not allowed to be voiced.

The above was taken by Chat GPT4 as a follow up to the first prompt, so it focused on innovations to the definition of Fascism.

New Chat on the definition since 1979

So I started a brand new Chat in GPT4 and asked the exact same prompt as my second one above. Here is it's answer, which is quite different.

Prompt: "Relying only on resources written or published after 1979 and later, what are the four top characteristics of Fascism." (same wording as second prompt above). Here is the answer [emphases mine]:

While the exact characteristics of fascism can vary depending on the interpretation, many modern scholars agree on several key traits that define the ideology. Drawing from resources published after 1979, such as the works of political theorists and historians like Roger Griffin, Stanley Payne, Robert Paxton, and others, we can identify these key characteristics of fascism:

1. Nationalism: Fascist regimes are known for their extreme form of nationalism. This often involves the glorification of the nation or race above all else, and the belief that the interests of the nation or race should be placed ahead of the interests of any individual or group. This nationalism can often involve a form of xenophobia or ethnocentrism, as well as a revival of cultural or historical narratives that promote a vision of national rebirth or renewal.

2. Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism: Fascist governments are typically characterized by a centralized, autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader. There is a strong emphasis on obedience to the state and the leader, and individual freedoms and rights are often suppressed. Moreover, a fascist regime seeks to infiltrate and control many aspects of life (like education, economy, media, and culture), intending to create a totalitarian society.

3. Single Party Rule: Fascism is often associated with the rule by a single party, with other political parties being banned or severely repressed. This party rule is often justified through a narrative of national emergency, unity, or destiny.

4. Militarism and Violence: Fascism also involves a focus on militarism, and often valorizes violence as a way to achieve political goals, forge national unity, or maintain control. Fascist regimes often maintain strong militaries and are known for their aggressive foreign policies. Internally, they may use paramilitary organizations to suppress dissent and control the population.

These characteristics do not apply uniformly to every group or regime that has been identified as fascist, but they offer a framework for understanding the key aspects of the ideology. It's important to note that fascism is highly adaptable and can take on different forms depending on the specific historical and cultural context.

Search This Blog

GuitarWarp