Umberto Eco's meditations on fascism via @GreatDismal Here's his 14 elements of fascism:
1) Syncretistic -- The combination of different forms of belief and practice. A cult of tradition. "This is who we are." Primeval truth.
cont.
(link at end)
1) Syncretistic -- The combination of different forms of belief and practice. A cult of tradition. "This is who we are." Primeval truth.
cont.
(link at end)
@GreatDismal 2) Rejection of modernism
Technology isn't improving our lives, it's making them worse. Increasing our anxiety, spying on us, breaking up relationships. Technology is actively damaging society, democracy, etc.
cont.
Technology isn't improving our lives, it's making them worse. Increasing our anxiety, spying on us, breaking up relationships. Technology is actively damaging society, democracy, etc.
cont.
@GreatDismal 3) Action over thought.
We can't wait. We must act now. Just do it. Intellectual discussion or processes is just used to avoid action. To betray us.
cont.
We can't wait. We must act now. Just do it. Intellectual discussion or processes is just used to avoid action. To betray us.
cont.
@GreatDismal 4) No disagreement
The community rejects and ostracizes criticism. It rejects analytical thought that runs contrary to its narratives.
cont.
The community rejects and ostracizes criticism. It rejects analytical thought that runs contrary to its narratives.
cont.
@GreatDismal 5) Fear of difference
We must fear everyone who doesn't agree with our consensus. People who don't agree are actively dangerous. The stranger. The invader. Dangerous people infiltrating our discussions. Lurking.
cont.
We must fear everyone who doesn't agree with our consensus. People who don't agree are actively dangerous. The stranger. The invader. Dangerous people infiltrating our discussions. Lurking.
cont.
@GreatDismal 6) Appeal to the frustrated middle
The majority think this way. We are being humiliated, impoverished, and betrayed by bad leadership. Our values aren't being respected.
cont.
The majority think this way. We are being humiliated, impoverished, and betrayed by bad leadership. Our values aren't being respected.
cont.
@GreatDismal 7) Obsession with conspiracy
International intrigue and espionage undermines us. Plots and subterfuge abounds. Conspiracies to hide the truth and undermine democracy and the constitution/rule of law.
cont.
International intrigue and espionage undermines us. Plots and subterfuge abounds. Conspiracies to hide the truth and undermine democracy and the constitution/rule of law.
cont.
@GreatDismal 8) Weak people oppress us
We are being deprived, humiliated, and damaged by people who cheated their way into power. People without merit who buy their status.
cont.
We are being deprived, humiliated, and damaged by people who cheated their way into power. People without merit who buy their status.
cont.
@GreatDismal 9) Life is a struggle
We are in permanent warfare. A constant struggle against oppression. If you don't join us in this struggle, you are helping the enemy.
cont.
We are in permanent warfare. A constant struggle against oppression. If you don't join us in this struggle, you are helping the enemy.
cont.
@GreatDismal 10) Popular elitism
You, and people like you, are the best people in the world. You have done so much with so little. Braved so many hardships.
cont.
You, and people like you, are the best people in the world. You have done so much with so little. Braved so many hardships.
cont.
@GreatDismal 11) Everyone is a hero
Stand your ground. Speak up. Take action. It's up to you. You can make a difference. Sacrifice is required.
cont.
Stand your ground. Speak up. Take action. It's up to you. You can make a difference. Sacrifice is required.
cont.
@GreatDismal 12) Sexual power games
Intolerance for those with deviant attitudes. The perma-struggle and heroism are in every relationship, righting past wrongs and reasserting the proper order.
cont.
Intolerance for those with deviant attitudes. The perma-struggle and heroism are in every relationship, righting past wrongs and reasserting the proper order.
cont.
@GreatDismal 13) Selective populism
Individuals don't have rights. Only membership in the group and only the group asserts rights and privileges. The quality of the group determines its status relative to the others.
cont.
Individuals don't have rights. Only membership in the group and only the group asserts rights and privileges. The quality of the group determines its status relative to the others.
cont.
@GreatDismal 14) Newspeak (Orwell)
Words with elementary syntax that populate impoverished vocabularies. Words used as a substitute for and a way to summarily end complex discussion.
cont.
Words with elementary syntax that populate impoverished vocabularies. Words used as a substitute for and a way to summarily end complex discussion.
cont.
