Characteristics of Fascism

Study Notes

Characteristics of Fascism

Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
- Fascist regimes heavily promote patriotic symbols, slogans, and songs.
- Flags are ubiquitous, appearing on clothing and in public displays.
Disdain for Human Rights
- Fear of perceived enemies allows for the justification of ignoring human rights.
- Citizens may turn a blind eye to torture, executions, and other abuses in the name of security.
Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats
- The population unifies against common perceived threats such as ethnic, religious minorities, liberals, and political dissidents.
- This scapegoating fosters a collective patriotic fervor.
Supremacy of the Military
- Military receives disproportionate funding, often at the expense of domestic issues.
- Military service is glamorized, prioritizing defense over social welfare.
Rampant Sexism
- Fascist governments are predominantly male, reinforcing rigid traditional gender roles.
- High opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights is characteristic, with stringent anti-gay legislation.
Controlled Mass Media
- Media may be directly or indirectly controlled by the state, with heavy regulation and censorship.
- Propaganda serves to support the fascist narrative, especially during conflicts.
Obsession with National Security
- The government uses fear to motivate and control the populace, prioritizing security over freedom.
Intertwined Religion and Government
- Common religions are exploited to influence public opinion and justify governmental actions.
- Religious rhetoric is often used, despite contradictions with the faith’s principles.
Protection of Corporate Power
- Business elites often support and benefit from fascist regimes, creating a symbiotic relationship with the government.
- Economic policies skew in favor of corporate interests.
Suppression of Labor Power
- Labor unions pose a threat to fascist governments, leading to their elimination or severe suppression.
- Worker organizing is tightly controlled.
Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
- Fascism exhibits hostility toward higher education and creative expression.
- Censorship and arrests of academics are common, along with funding cuts to the arts.
Obsession with Crime and Punishment
- Law enforcement is granted extensive powers, often overlooking abuses in the name of patriotism.
- Many fascist regimes establish a national police force with sweeping authority.
Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
- Governance is frequently characterized by favoritism, with friends and associates appointed to key positions.
- This creates a culture of impunity and protection for those in power.
Fraudulent Elections
- Elections may be entirely fake or manipulated through smear campaigns against opposition.
- Legal and media manipulation facilitates control over electoral processes, undermining democratic principles.

Description

Explore the defining features of fascism through key characteristics such as nationalism, human rights issues, scapegoating, militarism, and sexism. This quiz will help you understand the complex dynamics of fascist regimes and their societal impacts.