Umberto Eco, in 1995, laid out 14 common charactistics that characterize what he describes as ur-fascism, fascist societies independent of the time and place.
Cult of Tradition – A syncretic belief in ancient truths, rejecting modern interpretations.
Rejection of Modernism – Viewing the Enlightenment and rationalism as the root of moral decline.
Cult of Action for Action’s Sake – Valuing action over reflection, leading to anti-intellectualism.
Disagreement is Treason – Suppressing dissent and critical thinking as threats to unity.
Fear of Difference – Exploiting xenophobia and racism to unify the in-group against outsiders.
Appeal to a Frustrated Middle Class – Mobilizing those feeling economically or socially displaced.
Obsession with a Plot – Promoting conspiracy theories to justify aggression against perceived enemies.
Enemies are Both Too Strong and Too Weak – Portraying adversaries as simultaneously formidable and feeble.
Pacifism is Trafficking with the Enemy – Viewing life as perpetual warfare, dismissing peace efforts as betrayal.
Contempt for the Weak – Glorifying strength and dismissing compassion as weakness.
Everybody is Educated to Become a Hero – Promoting a cult of death and martyrdom.
Machismo – Elevating aggressive masculinity and denigrating non-conforming sexual behaviors.
Selective Populism – Claiming to represent the unified will of the people, dismissing individual rights.
Newspeak – Employing an impoverished vocabulary to limit critical thought.
Umberto Eco, in 1995, laid out 14 common charactistics that characterize what he describes as ur-fascism, fascist societies independent of the time and place.
Oh boy. We’re already at 13 out of 14 on the checklist.
Which one do you miss?
Perhaps 11?
Damn, we’re crushing it