Is America becoming a fascist state/society? (Iran, enemies, global warming)
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Pretty much all of these, except for #9, which I kind of disagree with, would describe the situation in America since circa 2000 all too well.
1. Exuberant nationalism
Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic images, slogans and symbols - National flags are seen everywhere in public display. Territorial aggression is explained to be mere destiny -- an unbidden greatness thrust upon the nation by history.
It is this burden of unique responsibility that now raises the fascist state above all previous constraint, no longer bound by international obligations, treaties or law.
Would perfectly describe the United States and the first part of it, the flag thing, would describe modern Canada as well actually.
2. Enemies Identified
This national cause is identified as unity against enemies - The people are rallied around a unifying patriotism directed against some common threat: communists, liberals, a racial, ethnic or religious minority, intellectuals, homosexuals, terrorists, etc.
The state's message is sometimes couched in an easily recognized religious theme. Amazingly, this language is used even when the full context of the teaching shows the meaning to be diametrically opposed. Any dissent is "siding with the enemy", and therefore treasonous.
Would describe the US since the 1950s.
3. Rights Disappear
Disdain for human and political rights - Fascist regimes foster an artificial climate of fear by intentionally amplifying stress and anxiety. Citizens naturally feel a strong need for security and are easily persuaded to ignore abuses in the name of safety. The few still willing to question are met with bullying and smear campaigns of intimidation.
Legislative bodies, if still in existence at all, are cowed into rubber-stamp submission with occasional ceremonial opposition. The judiciary tends to become activist in support of state views. The public often looks away, or even enthusiastically approves as rights are stripped away.
The concept of the individual inevitably yields ground, exchanged for the promised safety of the all-powerful state.
First TSA, now SOPA, PIPA etc.
4. Secrecy Demanded
Obsession with secrecy and national security - The workings of government become increasingly hidden. Questioning of authority is discouraged at all levels of society. From office talk at the water cooler up through the entire apparatus of rule, guarded speech and secrecy become ends in themselves.
Troubling questions are muted and entire areas of scrutiny are placed out of bounds by simply invoking "national security".
Most people will accept 'national security' as a valid excuse to keep things hidden from the people.
5. Military Glorified
Supremacy of the military - The military establishment receives a disproportionate share of government resources, even as pressing domestic needs are neglected. Individual soldiers and military culture are glamorized and made constantly visible.
This provides both an object for public glorification, as well as sharp warning to possibly restless citizens that the power of the state stands close at hand, ready to use its great potential for violence.
EXTREMELY descriptive of the society today. Even anti-war protestors make a point to say how much they love the troops. It's been this way since at least about 1990 (the Gulf War) from what I understand of recent history.
6. Corporations Shielded
Corporate power is protected - Typically, a segment of the business elite plays a major role in bringing fascists to national leadership, often from an unsavory obscurity. This marriage of big money and raw violence is often considered by historians to be the hallmark and backbone of fascism.
As these business-government-military interests meld, the significant threat of organized labor is clearly recognized. Labor unions and their support organizations are either co-opted successfully or ruthlessly suppressed and eliminated as soon as possible.
You obviously saw this with the bailouts, and also with the general public's siding with industry and against people speaking out against corruption, such as Occupy.
7. Corruption Unchecked
Rampant cronyism and corruption - Fascist states maintain power through this relatively small group of associates, mutually appointing each other to interlocking and rotating positions in government, business and the military.
With this degree of control, they make full use of both official secrecy and the ready threat of state violence to insulate themselves from any meaningful criticism. They are not accountable and are shielded from scrutiny in a way unthinkable in a democratic society.
See #6.
8. Media Controlled
Controlled mass media - Sometimes the media are controlled directly by clumsy government functionaries. At other times, sympathetic corporate media insiders shape the themes indirectly, and therefor more skillfully. Image regularly trumps content as the "news" is presented breathlessly and with flashy stage effects.
A practiced formula of tenacious repetition brings even the most absurd lie into acceptance over time. By design, the very language itself and the coloration employed will push alternate views "out of the mainstream".
The terms of any remaining debate are narrowly defined to the state's advantage, making it easy to marginalize a truly differing perspective. Censorship and "self-censorship", especially in wartime, is common.
MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, etc are all more or less owned by political parties unofficially and simply spout their propaganda.
9. Rampant Sexism
Rampant sexism - Governments of fascist states tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Traditional gender roles are made even more rigid and exaggerated. Condemnation of abortion and a virulent homophobia are commonly built into broad policy.
I disagree with this one. Actually it's quite the opposite, gender roles are condemned as a relic of the past and androgyny is promoted. Abortion is promoted as part of the necrophilic culture of death that characterizes America.
10. Intellectual Bullying
Disdain for intellectuals - Fascist society tends to create an environment of extreme hostility to critical thought in general, and to academics in particular.
Ideologically driven "science" is elevated and lavishly funded, while any expression not in line with the state view is at first ignored, then challenged, then ridiculed and finally stamped out.
It is not uncommon for academics to be pressured to attack the work of their insufficiently patriotic peers. Writings are censored; teachers are fired and arrested. Free artistic expression in new works is openly attacked, and existing works deemed unpatriotic are often publicly destroyed.
The italicized would very much describe certain science such as global warming theory, which the news constantly reminds us to fear and worry about. Reality television and modern pop music and film also is fiercely anti-intellectual.
11. Militarized Police
Obsession with crime and punishment - Fascist society is often willing to overlook police abuses and forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. Long jail sentences for clearly political offenses, torture and then assassination are at first uncomfortably tolerated, and then start to pile up to become the norm.
Often a national police force is given virtually unlimited power to snoop through the civilian population. Networks of surveillance and informers are employed, both for actual intelligence gathering and also as a means to keep neighbors and co-workers isolated and mistrustful of each other.
Americans have become perfectly comfortable with things such as prison rape, and permanently throwing people away for life for even nonviolent crimes. To speak in opposition to the death penalty will cause people to accuse you of being sympathetic towards the actions of criminals. As much as many people dislike the police, even more people seem to defend their brutality, as long as it's being done to 'some dirty hippies' and not to them and their own.
12. Elections Stolen
Fraudulent elections - In the disordered time as fascists are rising to power, the electoral arena becomes increasingly confusing, corrupted, and manipulated.
There is rising public cynicism and distrust over what are widely believed to be phony elections manipulated by moneyed influence, obvious media bias, smear campaigns, ballot tampering, judicial interference, intimidation, or outright assassination of potential opposition. Fascists in power have been known to use this disorder as the rationale to delay elections indefinitely.
There's a very high chance the 2000 election was literally stolen. The reality is though, pretty much every election in recent memory was 'stolen' - the person with the most expensive campaign has a 95% chance of winning.
I actually think the US has always been fascist though. The thing is, from about 1930 to 1980 it was getting better, now it seems like it's regressing again.
Don't think too much... Obama will target you during the intellectual purge, and use you as a message to the country... Never question authority. One dangerous man...
Not at all and even less than in the past. just the scope pf opinon expressed ehre shows that democrracy i it's basci form of individual thought and right to sppeak thsoe thoughtis alive and well.The most dangerous threat to liverty and freeedom is when we accept thought as presented by the state with no beleive of our own.So no I would say that democracy and freedom are well .What mnay see as threat from nonfonformity is actaully a good thing as long as one alos beleives i the constitution's rule of law.Wan to see facisism one only has to look at central control by governamtn in north korea.its as facist as hitler and his national socialist .When yopu beleive in coialism with its centrl control is quite easy to see why Hiotler thoguht russia was the danger because it was a competeting socialism which both thought would prevail over democracy no matter what.
Not at all and even less than in the past. just the scope pf opinon expressed ehre shows that democrracy
Actually I think the only reason I'm allowed to express such opinion is because it's not only the leaders of this country that are fascist, the society and people at large are fascist too and thus mostly agree with it, so there's no real danger is dissenting opinion being expressed. That's the only reason why the US government doesn't censor the way China, Iran, North Korea etc. That and the fact Americans are strong supporters of liberty when it applies to themselves and wouldn't tolerate such things taken away from them too easily.
Pretty much all of these, except for #9, which I kind of disagree with, would describe the situation in America since circa 2000 all too well.
1. Exuberant nationalism
Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic images, slogans and symbols - National flags are seen everywhere in public display. Territorial aggression is explained to be mere destiny -- an unbidden greatness thrust upon the nation by history.
It is this burden of unique responsibility that now raises the fascist state above all previous constraint, no longer bound by international obligations, treaties or law.
Would perfectly describe the United States and the first part of it, the flag thing, would describe modern Canada as well actually.
2. Enemies Identified
This national cause is identified as unity against enemies - The people are rallied around a unifying patriotism directed against some common threat: communists, liberals, a racial, ethnic or religious minority, intellectuals, homosexuals, terrorists, etc.
The state's message is sometimes couched in an easily recognized religious theme. Amazingly, this language is used even when the full context of the teaching shows the meaning to be diametrically opposed. Any dissent is "siding with the enemy", and therefore treasonous.
Would describe the US since the 1950s.
3. Rights Disappear
Disdain for human and political rights - Fascist regimes foster an artificial climate of fear by intentionally amplifying stress and anxiety. Citizens naturally feel a strong need for security and are easily persuaded to ignore abuses in the name of safety. The few still willing to question are met with bullying and smear campaigns of intimidation.
Legislative bodies, if still in existence at all, are cowed into rubber-stamp submission with occasional ceremonial opposition. The judiciary tends to become activist in support of state views. The public often looks away, or even enthusiastically approves as rights are stripped away.
The concept of the individual inevitably yields ground, exchanged for the promised safety of the all-powerful state.
First TSA, now SOPA, PIPA etc.
4. Secrecy Demanded
Obsession with secrecy and national security - The workings of government become increasingly hidden. Questioning of authority is discouraged at all levels of society. From office talk at the water cooler up through the entire apparatus of rule, guarded speech and secrecy become ends in themselves.
Troubling questions are muted and entire areas of scrutiny are placed out of bounds by simply invoking "national security".
Most people will accept 'national security' as a valid excuse to keep things hidden from the people.
5. Military Glorified
Supremacy of the military - The military establishment receives a disproportionate share of government resources, even as pressing domestic needs are neglected. Individual soldiers and military culture are glamorized and made constantly visible.
This provides both an object for public glorification, as well as sharp warning to possibly restless citizens that the power of the state stands close at hand, ready to use its great potential for violence.
EXTREMELY descriptive of the society today. Even anti-war protestors make a point to say how much they love the troops. It's been this way since at least about 1990 (the Gulf War) from what I understand of recent history.
6. Corporations Shielded
Corporate power is protected - Typically, a segment of the business elite plays a major role in bringing fascists to national leadership, often from an unsavory obscurity. This marriage of big money and raw violence is often considered by historians to be the hallmark and backbone of fascism.
As these business-government-military interests meld, the significant threat of organized labor is clearly recognized. Labor unions and their support organizations are either co-opted successfully or ruthlessly suppressed and eliminated as soon as possible.
You obviously saw this with the bailouts, and also with the general public's siding with industry and against people speaking out against corruption, such as Occupy.
7. Corruption Unchecked
Rampant cronyism and corruption - Fascist states maintain power through this relatively small group of associates, mutually appointing each other to interlocking and rotating positions in government, business and the military.
With this degree of control, they make full use of both official secrecy and the ready threat of state violence to insulate themselves from any meaningful criticism. They are not accountable and are shielded from scrutiny in a way unthinkable in a democratic society.
See #6.
8. Media Controlled
Controlled mass media - Sometimes the media are controlled directly by clumsy government functionaries. At other times, sympathetic corporate media insiders shape the themes indirectly, and therefor more skillfully. Image regularly trumps content as the "news" is presented breathlessly and with flashy stage effects.
A practiced formula of tenacious repetition brings even the most absurd lie into acceptance over time. By design, the very language itself and the coloration employed will push alternate views "out of the mainstream".
The terms of any remaining debate are narrowly defined to the state's advantage, making it easy to marginalize a truly differing perspective. Censorship and "self-censorship", especially in wartime, is common.
MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, etc are all more or less owned by political parties unofficially and simply spout their propaganda.
9. Rampant Sexism
Rampant sexism - Governments of fascist states tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Traditional gender roles are made even more rigid and exaggerated. Condemnation of abortion and a virulent homophobia are commonly built into broad policy.
I disagree with this one. Actually it's quite the opposite, gender roles are condemned as a relic of the past and androgyny is promoted. Abortion is promoted as part of the necrophilic culture of death that characterizes America.
10. Intellectual Bullying
Disdain for intellectuals - Fascist society tends to create an environment of extreme hostility to critical thought in general, and to academics in particular.
Ideologically driven "science" is elevated and lavishly funded, while any expression not in line with the state view is at first ignored, then challenged, then ridiculed and finally stamped out.
It is not uncommon for academics to be pressured to attack the work of their insufficiently patriotic peers. Writings are censored; teachers are fired and arrested. Free artistic expression in new works is openly attacked, and existing works deemed unpatriotic are often publicly destroyed.
The italicized would very much describe certain science such as global warming theory, which the news constantly reminds us to fear and worry about. Reality television and modern pop music and film also is fiercely anti-intellectual.
11. Militarized Police
Obsession with crime and punishment - Fascist society is often willing to overlook police abuses and forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. Long jail sentences for clearly political offenses, torture and then assassination are at first uncomfortably tolerated, and then start to pile up to become the norm.
Often a national police force is given virtually unlimited power to snoop through the civilian population. Networks of surveillance and informers are employed, both for actual intelligence gathering and also as a means to keep neighbors and co-workers isolated and mistrustful of each other.
Americans have become perfectly comfortable with things such as prison rape, and permanently throwing people away for life for even nonviolent crimes. To speak in opposition to the death penalty will cause people to accuse you of being sympathetic towards the actions of criminals. As much as many people dislike the police, even more people seem to defend their brutality, as long as it's being done to 'some dirty hippies' and not to them and their own.
12. Elections Stolen
Fraudulent elections - In the disordered time as fascists are rising to power, the electoral arena becomes increasingly confusing, corrupted, and manipulated.
There is rising public cynicism and distrust over what are widely believed to be phony elections manipulated by moneyed influence, obvious media bias, smear campaigns, ballot tampering, judicial interference, intimidation, or outright assassination of potential opposition. Fascists in power have been known to use this disorder as the rationale to delay elections indefinitely.
There's a very high chance the 2000 election was literally stolen. The reality is though, pretty much every election in recent memory was 'stolen' - the person with the most expensive campaign has a 95% chance of winning.
that is absolutely correct everything but one thing, it not the U.S.A. it the one world government of witch liberal are so eager to see. their one world agenda is a fascist world! getting rid of religion is their #1 goal! and rally everyone in the world together though global warming. true fascist are the liberals of the world. thank god there are not many of them here in the U.S.A. it only seems that there are many because of the liberal media, but its only an illusion!
I actually think the US has always been fascist though. The thing is, from about 1930 to 1980 it was getting better, now it seems like it's regressing again.
The Japanese Americans might disagree, not to mention j Edgar hovers shenanigans.
You really consider reality TV and pop music to be forms of intellectual bullying? My, my. Aren't we sensitive?
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