Photo - Public Use via PingNewsIn 2003, Dr. Lawrence W. Britt’s article “Fascism Anyone?” appeared in the Spring Issue of Free Inquiry magazine. The article was an analysis of fascism through the examination of seven fascist regimes that existed at varying times during the twentieth century. Those seven regimes were: Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, Franco’s Spain, Salazar’s Portugal, Papadopoulos’s Greece, Pinochet’s Chile, and Suharto’s Indonesia. None of those regimes exist today, but the product of Dr. Britt’s analysis was a list of 14 identifiable characteristics of the fascist state.
In recent years this list of 14 characteristics has been posted numerous times on the internet; quite often, however, without much comment. It would seem that Dr. Britt’s list is receiving so much attention recently because political commentators have begun to notice the existence of phenomena in the United States that are characteristic of the fascist state. These phenomena have become most noticeable since the inauguration of George W. Bush.
It seems that now would be a good time to review Lawrence Britt’s list and see how the United States compares relative to each of the 14 characteristics of fascism.
In his article, Britt states that 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 to media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, 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 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 assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.1
Now, let’s take these characteristics and compare them against the aspiring conservative political movement.
If we examine the first of the characteristics: Powerful and Continuing Nationalism , we can see that this certainly applies to the current climate in conservative America. Shouts of “USA, USA” echo at political rallies as well as sporting events. Candidates for political office seldom dare to appear on television without an American flag pin stuck in their lapel.
Since the tragedy of 9/11, human rights concerns have been thrown out the window in order to create an atmosphere of “safety” for “real” Americans. This disregard for human rights had bled over into mainstream politics and the Patriots Act is a clear example of America’s current Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights .
America has always had plenty of scapegoats, but in the current political climate, their ranks have swollen. Muslims, Arabs, Latinos, Immigrants, The Poor have all been targeted. The conservative media has branded these people as enemies of the state and a constant drum beat advises the “American public” to fear them. We build walls to keep out the immigrants, expel Muslims, Arabs and anyone who might look as if they are from the Middle East from airliners, all because Americans no engage in Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause .
Anyone who does not believe in the Supremacy of the Military in the United States should take a look at the budget for the Department of Defense compared to dollars spent for education, healthcare and other needs of this nation. And if you do not “Support our Troops,” you do so at your social peril at the hands of those on the political right.
There are those who may argue that there is no Rampant Sexism in America, but that is because they turn a blind eye to the homophobia, anti-gay legislation and opposition to abortion. Even as states pass legislation supporting same sex marriage and freedom of choice in some states, many others states pass legislation in opposition. It is no secret that the conservative religious movement in America would deal harshly with those who do not abide by conservative ideals.
Controlled Mass Media has not been uncommon in America for quite some time now. But lately, with media outlets like Fox News and the conservative talk radio programs, the situation is growing worse. While the current federal administration is often the target of these conservative standard bearers, the aspiring national leaders in the conservative camp extremely strong support.
The Obsession with National Security among America’s conservatives has spread even to the point where the President of the nation is accused of being a threat. While most conservative politicians, who do not wish to appear to be complete loons, choose their words carefully; their supporters openly accuse Barak Obama of wanting to bring down America.
The “religious right” became a political force in the 1980s, and since that time the Republican Party and political conservatives have been subjected to the dictates of religious intemperance. Today, with the steady growth in influence of the religious right, Religion and Government are Intertwined , from the conservative point of view. The religious right has even tried to distort history in order to validate their claims that this is a “Christian nation.”
It is clear from the bank bailouts in 2009, and the refusal of Republicans and other conservatives to raise the taxes of the rich and powerful that Corporate Power is Protected in conservative America. And in such a state, there is no room for the rights of the individual.
For some decades in America, Labor Power has been Suppressed . The unions have been forced further and further in a corner for the benefit of corporate America. And the conservative activists and politicians open declare that they are at war with the unions.
If the election of George W. Bush was not evidence enough of the conservatives disdain for intellect, we need only look at where the funding cuts will take place as America re-adjusts it priorities in order to address its growing debt. The fact that education and the arts will take very hard hits in the upcoming budget cuts indicates that the right has a great Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts .
While the United States no longer executes children, in 2005, at the time the Supreme Court ruled that it was cruel and unusual punishment, America was the second highest executioner of children on the planet. Today, America still has the highest rate of incarceration per population in the world. Police misconduct has been recorded in 5,986 instances between April 2009 and June 2010, with 382 of those instances leading to fatalities. There is very little public consciousness of these facts in America. Clearly the country has an Obsession with Crime and Punishment .
Under the George W. Bush Administration many individuals were gifted positions of power and responsibility that were clearly beyond their competence or capabilities. These gifts of power and position were based upon cronyism. Additionally, members of Congress and lobbyists faced criminal charges related to corruption. This is not to say that Democrats and liberals are not involved in such misdeeds, but under Republicans there was Rampant Cronyism and Corruption .
Republicans say that Democrats, liberals and all others who voted against George W. Bush should “get over” the 2000 Presidential election. However, that fraudulent election is one of the main reasons why this country looks so much like a fascist state today. With another Presidential election approaching in 2012, accompanied by congressional, state and local elections it is time to reflect on where America is heading. The rest of the world is watching; the rest of the world is waiting. Do we, as Americans, descend further into fascism, or do we reassess our values? Do we decide that we want to uphold – and live by – the values that we claim to have and champion; or do we allow fear and greed push us back into the recesses of apathy and allow Fraudulent Elections to take our nation down a hateful and shameful path to fascism?
1. Copyright © 2003 Free Inquiry magazine Volume 23, Number 2. [Reprinted for Fair Use Only.]
In recent years this list of 14 characteristics has been posted numerous times on the internet; quite often, however, without much comment. It would seem that Dr. Britt’s list is receiving so much attention recently because political commentators have begun to notice the existence of phenomena in the United States that are characteristic of the fascist state. These phenomena have become most noticeable since the inauguration of George W. Bush.
It seems that now would be a good time to review Lawrence Britt’s list and see how the United States compares relative to each of the 14 characteristics of fascism.
In his article, Britt states that 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 to media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, 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 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 assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.1
Now, let’s take these characteristics and compare them against the aspiring conservative political movement.
If we examine the first of the characteristics: Powerful and Continuing Nationalism , we can see that this certainly applies to the current climate in conservative America. Shouts of “USA, USA” echo at political rallies as well as sporting events. Candidates for political office seldom dare to appear on television without an American flag pin stuck in their lapel.
Since the tragedy of 9/11, human rights concerns have been thrown out the window in order to create an atmosphere of “safety” for “real” Americans. This disregard for human rights had bled over into mainstream politics and the Patriots Act is a clear example of America’s current Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights .
America has always had plenty of scapegoats, but in the current political climate, their ranks have swollen. Muslims, Arabs, Latinos, Immigrants, The Poor have all been targeted. The conservative media has branded these people as enemies of the state and a constant drum beat advises the “American public” to fear them. We build walls to keep out the immigrants, expel Muslims, Arabs and anyone who might look as if they are from the Middle East from airliners, all because Americans no engage in Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause .
Anyone who does not believe in the Supremacy of the Military in the United States should take a look at the budget for the Department of Defense compared to dollars spent for education, healthcare and other needs of this nation. And if you do not “Support our Troops,” you do so at your social peril at the hands of those on the political right.
There are those who may argue that there is no Rampant Sexism in America, but that is because they turn a blind eye to the homophobia, anti-gay legislation and opposition to abortion. Even as states pass legislation supporting same sex marriage and freedom of choice in some states, many others states pass legislation in opposition. It is no secret that the conservative religious movement in America would deal harshly with those who do not abide by conservative ideals.
Controlled Mass Media has not been uncommon in America for quite some time now. But lately, with media outlets like Fox News and the conservative talk radio programs, the situation is growing worse. While the current federal administration is often the target of these conservative standard bearers, the aspiring national leaders in the conservative camp extremely strong support.
The Obsession with National Security among America’s conservatives has spread even to the point where the President of the nation is accused of being a threat. While most conservative politicians, who do not wish to appear to be complete loons, choose their words carefully; their supporters openly accuse Barak Obama of wanting to bring down America.
The “religious right” became a political force in the 1980s, and since that time the Republican Party and political conservatives have been subjected to the dictates of religious intemperance. Today, with the steady growth in influence of the religious right, Religion and Government are Intertwined , from the conservative point of view. The religious right has even tried to distort history in order to validate their claims that this is a “Christian nation.”
It is clear from the bank bailouts in 2009, and the refusal of Republicans and other conservatives to raise the taxes of the rich and powerful that Corporate Power is Protected in conservative America. And in such a state, there is no room for the rights of the individual.
For some decades in America, Labor Power has been Suppressed . The unions have been forced further and further in a corner for the benefit of corporate America. And the conservative activists and politicians open declare that they are at war with the unions.
If the election of George W. Bush was not evidence enough of the conservatives disdain for intellect, we need only look at where the funding cuts will take place as America re-adjusts it priorities in order to address its growing debt. The fact that education and the arts will take very hard hits in the upcoming budget cuts indicates that the right has a great Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts .
While the United States no longer executes children, in 2005, at the time the Supreme Court ruled that it was cruel and unusual punishment, America was the second highest executioner of children on the planet. Today, America still has the highest rate of incarceration per population in the world. Police misconduct has been recorded in 5,986 instances between April 2009 and June 2010, with 382 of those instances leading to fatalities. There is very little public consciousness of these facts in America. Clearly the country has an Obsession with Crime and Punishment .
Under the George W. Bush Administration many individuals were gifted positions of power and responsibility that were clearly beyond their competence or capabilities. These gifts of power and position were based upon cronyism. Additionally, members of Congress and lobbyists faced criminal charges related to corruption. This is not to say that Democrats and liberals are not involved in such misdeeds, but under Republicans there was Rampant Cronyism and Corruption .
Republicans say that Democrats, liberals and all others who voted against George W. Bush should “get over” the 2000 Presidential election. However, that fraudulent election is one of the main reasons why this country looks so much like a fascist state today. With another Presidential election approaching in 2012, accompanied by congressional, state and local elections it is time to reflect on where America is heading. The rest of the world is watching; the rest of the world is waiting. Do we, as Americans, descend further into fascism, or do we reassess our values? Do we decide that we want to uphold – and live by – the values that we claim to have and champion; or do we allow fear and greed push us back into the recesses of apathy and allow Fraudulent Elections to take our nation down a hateful and shameful path to fascism?
1. Copyright © 2003 Free Inquiry magazine Volume 23, Number 2. [Reprinted for Fair Use Only.]
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