What exactly qualifies someone as “fascist” now?

[Bodonius]

Fascist is someone that dont agree with what I say/do/think but also someone that I dont agree what that person say/do/think.

[steristumpie]

1> "The Cult of Tradition", characterized by cultural syncretism, even at the risk of internal contradiction. When all truth has already been revealed by Tradition, no new learning can occur, only further interpretation and refinement.

Disagree. Isn’t that just conservatism? I wouldn’t go calling half the country fascists for being conservative. I believe conservatives are those frightened girls in the back of the car screaming to slow Dow, while progressives are the madmen next to the, shouting “Go faster dude, we’re gonna be late for Social Perfection”. Sure we need to go forward, but too often the scared girl is right and disaster happens.

2> "The Rejection of modernism", which views the rationalistic development of Western culture since the Enlightenment as a descent into depravity. Eco distinguishes this from a rejection of superficial technological advancement, as many fascist regimes cite their industrial potency as proof of the vitality of their system.

Disagree. I think how much modernity we want to embrace is an individual decision and not a collective one. And fascism is a collective ideology and not an individualistic one. If you’re not ready to accept an ideology or approach, having it shoved down your throat is going to lead to mistrust and dissent.

3> "The Cult of Action for Action's Sake", which dictates that action is of value in itself, and should be taken without intellectual reflection. This, says Eco, is connected with anti-intellectualism and irrationalism, and often manifests in attacks on modern culture and science.

Definitely agree.

4> "Disagreement Is Treason" – Fascism devalues intellectual discourse and critical reasoning as barriers to action, as well as out of fear that such analysis will expose the contradictions embodied in a syncretistic faith.

Agree. But I’ve seen left learners embrace this far too often, almost as much as the right.

5> "Fear of Difference", which fascism seeks to exploit and exacerbate, often in the form of racism or an appeal against foreigners and immigrants.

Historically I agree. It’s a tool fascists have used over the ages and we all know it too well. But unfortunately, in reality, sometimes unbiased facts do point at a certain problem within a specific demographic, and to not address it with an honest approach is, well, dishonest. Thanks for making me sound retarded.

6> "Appeal to a Frustrated Middle Class", fearing economic pressure from the demands and aspirations of lower social groups.

Agree.

7> "Obsession with a Plot" and the hyping-up of an enemy threat. This often combines an appeal to xenophobia with a fear of disloyalty and sabotage from marginalized groups living within the society (such as the German elite's 'fear' of the 1930s Jewish populace's businesses and well-doings; see also anti-Semitism). Eco also cites Pat Robertson's book The New World Order as a prominent example of a plot obsession.

Disagree. The far left have used high conspiracy theories that are fantastically grand to garner support for their side. Antisemitism was promoted in the USSR before it became Nazi German policy.

8> Fascist societies rhetorically cast their enemies as "at the same time too strong and too weak." On the one hand, fascists play up the power of certain disfavored elites to encourage in their followers a sense of grievance and humiliation. On the other hand, fascist leaders point to the decadence of those elites as proof of their ultimate feebleness in the face of an overwhelming popular will.

Disagree. There’s not a country in the world that doesn’t employ this tactic against a certain enemy.

9> "Pacifism is Trafficking with the Enemy" because "Life is Permanent Warfare" – there must always be an enemy to fight. Both fascist Germany under Hitler and Italy under Mussolini worked first to organize and clean up their respective countries and then build the war machines that they later intended to and did use, despite Germany being under restrictions of the Versailles treaty to NOT build a military force. This principle leads to a fundamental contradiction within fascism: the incompatibility of ultimate triumph with perpetual war.

Somewhat agree. But again, highly militarized socialist countries have employed the same tactic.

10> "Contempt for the Weak", which is uncomfortably married to a chauvinistic popular elitism, in which every member of society is superior to outsiders by virtue of belonging to the in-group. Eco sees in these attitudes the root of a deep tension in the fundamentally hierarchical structure of fascist polities, as they encourage leaders to despise their underlings, up to the ultimate Leader who holds the whole country in contempt for having allowed him to overtake it by force.

Agree.

11> "Everybody is Educated to Become a Hero", which leads to the embrace of a cult of death. As Eco observes, "[t]he Ur-Fascist hero is impatient to die. In his impatience, he more frequently sends other people to death."

Agree. But the extreme opposite leftist ideologies historically also heavily imply that no one person’s life is more important than the collective bigger socialist picture

12> "Machismo", which sublimates the difficult work of permanent war and heroism into the sexual sphere. Fascists thus hold "both disdain for women and intolerance and condemnation of nonstandard sexual habits, from chastity to homosexuality."

Reluctantly agree. I don’t want him to be right on this, but he is. It’s almost exclusively a fascist trait.

13> "Selective Populism" – The People, conceived monolithically, have a Common Will, distinct from and superior to the viewpoint of any individual. As no mass of people can ever be truly unanimous, the Leader holds himself out as the interpreter of the popular will (though truly he dictates it). Fascists use this concept to delegitimize democratic institutions they accuse of "no longer represent[ing] the Voice of the People."

No fucking way. This is almost more communism than fascism. Large government to do the “Big Thinks” because individuals are only capable of doing the “Little Thinks”.

14> "Newspeak" – Fascism employs and promotes an impoverished vocabulary in order to limit critical reasoning

Im too fucking dumb to even know what this really means. They use colloquiums so you can’t argue with them? I don’t get it.

[Independent voter]

Facist == racist now. I don't know why people just don't call racists, racists.

Mussolini came up with facism. If you have some time kill, the historical origin story of Mussolini and fascism is pretty interesting. For example, did you know Mussolini's fascist government was a constitutional monarchy? He had to meet with the King of Italy every Tuesday.

[Cruor]

I'll be in with the group saying it's people who disagree with the left. Don't like welfare? Facist. Dont want low skill people who dont speak your language flooding your country? Fascist. Think police should be able to shoot violent criminals and home owners should be able to shoot home Invaders? Fascist. Rather have low taxes than a system where do nothings are supported? Fascist.

[Moadar]

Such as? Actual examples please, not caricatures of leftists that live in your head.

Just so you're aware, it's a trick question - most of these beliefs are mutually exclusive with the philosophical underpinnings of left wing ideology.

3,4,5,7,8,12,13,14

Anyone with half a brain can find how they apply given the examples provided in what was given. But you can make just about anything apply to anyone.

[Bodonius]

I'll be in with the group saying it's people who disagree with the left. Don't like welfare? Facist. Dont want low skill people who dont speak your language flooding your country? Fascist. Think police should be able to shoot violent criminals and home owners should be able to shoot home Invaders? Fascist. Rather have low taxes than a system where do nothings are supported? Fascist.

Yepp. Pretty much that.

And that counts even for left people that dont agree with the far-left. Suddenly your a fascist, nazi and racist.

[Elegiac]

1> "The Cult of Tradition", characterized by cultural syncretism, even at the risk of internal contradiction. When all truth has already been revealed by Tradition, no new learning can occur, only further interpretation and refinement.

Disagree. Isn’t that just conservatism? I wouldn’t go calling half the country fascists for being conservative. I believe conservatives are those frightened girls in the back of the car screaming to slow Dow, while progressives are the madmen next to the, shouting “Go faster dude, we’re gonna be late for Social Perfection”. Sure we need to go forward, but too often the scared girl is right and disaster happens.

You've discovered the essence of why fascism is a fundamentally right wing ideology.

That aside, an ideology having a single point in common with Eco's list does not automatically qualify at fascism in the same way as something causing a cough doesn't automatically qualify it as bronchitis.

2> "The Rejection of modernism", which views the rationalistic development of Western culture since the Enlightenment as a descent into depravity. Eco distinguishes this from a rejection of superficial technological advancement, as many fascist regimes cite their industrial potency as proof of the vitality of their system.

Disagree. I think how much modernity we want to embrace is an individual decision and not a collective one. And fascism is a collective ideology and not an individualistic one. If you’re not ready to accept an ideology or approach, having it shoved down your throat is going to lead to mistrust and dissent.

What a mystifying non sequitur.

The rejection of modernism has nothing to do with the interplay between individualism and collectivism, it has to do with the assumed inherent equality and dignity of people that are the linchpin of Enlightenment values.

Or, in simpler terms: If your ideology disagrees with "All men are born free and equal and are endowed by their creator with certain rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, check "Rejection of Modernism" off your list.

7> "Obsession with a Plot" and the hyping-up of an enemy threat. This often combines an appeal to xenophobia with a fear of disloyalty and sabotage from marginalized groups living within the society (such as the German elite's 'fear' of the 1930s Jewish populace's businesses and well-doings; see also anti-Semitism). Eco also cites Pat Robertson's book The New World Order as a prominent example of a plot obsession.

Disagree. The far left have used high conspiracy theories that are fantastically grand to garner support for their side. Antisemitism was promoted in the USSR before it became Nazi German policy.

"The far left" (ignoring the fact the USSR was not a "far left" polity) having had conspiracy theories does not mean that this isn't a marker of ur-fascism.

8> Fascist societies rhetorically cast their enemies as "at the same time too strong and too weak." On the one hand, fascists play up the power of certain disfavored elites to encourage in their followers a sense of grievance and humiliation. On the other hand, fascist leaders point to the decadence of those elites as proof of their ultimate feebleness in the face of an overwhelming popular will.

Disagree. There’s not a country in the world that doesn’t employ this tactic against a certain enemy.

Which does not make it not an inherently fascistic belief. Also, most don't typically combine the elements of both because they aren't trying to stoke hostility against a domestic group as fascists do.

13> "Selective Populism" – The People, conceived monolithically, have a Common Will, distinct from and superior to the viewpoint of any individual. As no mass of people can ever be truly unanimous, the Leader holds himself out as the interpreter of the popular will (though truly he dictates it). Fascists use this concept to delegitimize democratic institutions they accuse of "no longer represent[ing] the Voice of the People."

No fucking way. This is almost more communism than fascism. Large government to do the “Big Thinks” because individuals are only capable of doing the “Little Thinks”.

Sounds like you have absolutely no fucking idea what defines communism, much less fascism.

Fascists consistently like to present themselves as actually representative of the public precisely because it undermines democratic institutions. This is the impetus behind Hitler's lugenpresse and Trump's "fake news" shtick.

14> "Newspeak" – Fascism employs and promotes an impoverished vocabulary in order to limit critical reasoning

Im too fucking dumb to even know what this really means. They use colloquiums so you can’t argue with them? I don’t get it.

They use selective wording in order to shape thought and discussion around a particular subject.

For example: calling the ACA "Obamacare", or referring to triage as "death panels". They have elements of truth, but are oversimplifications designed to shift discussion in a direction more favorable for ur-fascists.

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3,4,5,7,8,12,13,14

Anyone with half a brain can find how they apply given the examples provided in what was given. But you can make just about anything apply to anyone.

I could, but I'm not intellectually dishonest.

If you don't care to provide examples then I'll give your argument as much consideration as you put effort towards it; not a whit.

[Moadar]

I could, but I'm not intellectually dishonest.

If you don't care to provide examples then I'll give your argument as much consideration as you put effort towards it; not a whit.

That's fine since I gave my response based on your "trick question" schtick the effort it deserved-not much.

[Bodonius]

All sides use "Newspeak", its just a way to try to spin things in their favor. Calling something for a concentration camp when its clearly not is the same thing.
And same with calling people fascists and nazis that arent, just making words mean a new thing but hope it still holds the same negative value (but it doesnt now people start to not care about being labled racist).

[burzian]

All sides use "Newspeak", its just a way to try to spin things in their favor. Calling something for a concentration camp when its clearly not is the same thing.
And same with calling people fascists and nazis that arent, just making words mean a new thing but hope it still holds the same negative value (but it doesnt now people start to not care about being labled racist).

This is what happens when you never read another book after being forced to read 1984 in high school.

Also worth noting: they're concentration camps.

[Moadar]

This is what happens when you never read another book after being forced to read 1984 in high school.

Also worth noting: they're concentration camps.

Are you equating them with places like Auschwitz?

[burzian]

Are you equating them with places like Auschwitz?

Do you know what a concentration camp is? Where do you think the name comes from? Why are you talking about Auschwitz? Just because "concentration camps = nazi death camps" in your muddled perception of history does not mean that's actually the case. The US's Japanese internment camps were also concentration camps.

[Bodonius]

This is what happens when you never read another book after being forced to read 1984 in high school.

Also worth noting: they're concentration camps.

Oh you struggled long time to manage to get into nazi lead concentration camps?
And sorry but well educated. (But english not first language so not perfect on expressing everything i want to say).

When someone say concentration camps you know exactly what association it will give. And you know that that association is false.

[Moadar]

Do you know what a concentration camp is? Where do you think the name comes from? Why are you talking about Auschwitz? Just because "concentration camps = nazi death camps" in your muddled perception of history does not mean that's actually the case. The US's Japanese internment camps were also concentration camps.

Because when idiots use the word they are almost always trying to stir up images of the nazi version. Dont pretend otherwise. Even if you want to go with the us version those were citizens rounded up against their will. The border facilities have foreigners coming here to enter them. One of these things is not like the other.

[burzian]

Because when idiots use the word they are almost always trying to stir up images of the nazi version. Dont pretend otherwise. Even if you want to go with the us version those were citizens rounded up against their will. The border facilities have foreigners coming here to enter them. One of these things is not like the other.

Don't backpedal so fast, you'll fall on your ass. You brought up nazis, not me.

I don't care what you think "idiots" are trying to "stir up." One day maybe you'll start to question why you identify so closely with the people behind these concentration camps that you get absolutely triggered when people call them what they are. Until then, I guess keep crying about words.

[Bodonius]

Don't backpedal so fast, you'll fall on your ass. You brought up nazis, not me.

I don't care what you think "idiots" are trying to "stir up." One day maybe you'll start to question why you identify so closely with the people behind these concentration camps that you get absolutely triggered when people call them what they are. Until then, I guess keep crying about words.

You know thats what people meen when they say concentration camps dont act like they meen something else.

[Elegiac]

Are you equating them with places like Auschwitz?

Not all concentration camps are extermination camps.

You don't have to get all huffy because you forgot Therensienstadt existed for a second there.

[Moadar]

Don't backpedal so fast, you'll fall on your ass. You brought up nazis, not me.

I don't care what you think "idiots" are trying to "stir up." One day maybe you'll start to question why you identify so closely with the people behind these concentration camps that you get absolutely triggered when people call them what they are. Until then, I guess keep crying about words.

Didnt back peddle an inch. Dont distract from the fact you got exposed.

[ShimianNight]

If you hurt someones feelings with an opinion differing from there's you are now a Fascist and need to be shamed/smear'd for the rest of your life.

[Moadar]

Not all concentration camps are extermination camps.

You don't have to get all huffy because you forgot Therensienstadt existed for a second there.

Ya sorry but those are the gold standard when the word is used which is why it was used in relation to the border facilities. Mentioning a specific instance of one exposed his intent with the word which is why his response was full of salt. It showed how ridiculous the comparison is.