Fourteen Defining Characteristics Of Fascism

[NoStateofMind]

Here are the "fourteen points" of fascism:

1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism - Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.

2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights - Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.

3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause - The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial , ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.

4. Supremacy of the Military - Even when there are widespread
domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.

5. Rampant Sexism - The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Divorce, abortion and homosexuality are suppressed and the state is represented as the ultimate guardian of the family institution.

6. Controlled Mass Media - Sometimes to media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.

7. Obsession with National Security - Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.

8. Religion and Government are Intertwined - Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.

9. Corporate Power is Protected - The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.

10. Labor Power is Suppressed - Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed.

11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts - Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts and letters is openly attacked.

12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment - Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.

13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption - Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.

14. Fraudulent Elections - Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.

IMO I see a correlation with many of these points in the last 9yrs. Bush with the majority of them but also Obama continuing some of it.

Bush - 1-4, 6-9, 13, 14
Obama - 9, 13

Your thoughts?


My thoughts are as follows. It would be beneficial to all parties involved if they restrain from going on diatribes about the parentage, intelligence or sanity of other posters and stay on the topic.

IMO (and that's what counts at this moment) the topic is legitimate, however members ought to note that if a controversial topic is posted then it ought to be done with the understanding that some (not unlimited) grief is to be expected. It's what P&N does.

Conduct yourselves accordingly.

Hayabusa Rider- Anandtech Senior Moderator

 

[cubeless]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
snip

Your thoughts?

u r an idiot...

bo does 1 and 3 at a minimum, and get over the stolen election thing...

and give bo a little while to warm up...

 

[OCGuy]

Not really. I bet every country in the world would hit a couple of those.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: cubeless

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
snip

Your thoughts?

u r an idiot...

bo does 1 and 3 at a minimum, and get over the stolen election thing...

and give bo a little while to warm up...

So says the guy that types "u r" :laugh:

 

[LegendKiller]

lol, broad generalizations. My psych professors used to hand out these "description" questionnaires at the first class. Funny, but there were only 10 "unique" ones in every class and they were actually only unique in question order.

I bet if we found a questionnaire about insanity PSC and his fellow RPBs would pass with flying colors.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: LegendKiller
lol, broad generalizations. My psych professors used to hand out these "description" questionnaires at the first class. Funny, but there were only 10 "unique" ones in every class and they were actually only unique in question order.

I bet if we found a questionnaire about insanity PSC and his fellow RPBs would pass with flying colors.

Another troll.....

 

[OCGuy]

Its like the commercials for prescription drugs on the network nightly news broadcasts.



Do you ever get tired?

Do you ever get hungry?

Are you ever attracted to the opposite sex?


If so, you may be a facist! Ask your doctor about Fuxium.

 

[cubeless]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: cubeless

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
snip

Your thoughts?

u r an idiot...

bo does 1 and 3 at a minimum, and get over the stolen election thing...

and give bo a little while to warm up...

So says the guy that types "u r" :laugh:

and i r right...

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: LegendKiller
lol, broad generalizations. My psych professors used to hand out these "description" questionnaires at the first class. Funny, but there were only 10 "unique" ones in every class and they were actually only unique in question order.

I bet if we found a questionnaire about insanity PSC and his fellow RPBs would pass with flying colors.

Another troll.....

Well, this is a troll thread.

I actually added some perspective, since this is a common psychology tactic.


Phrasing questions in questionnaires to get the desired response is a well known skewing effect in statistical studies. It's all about perception.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: LegendKiller
lol, broad generalizations. My psych professors used to hand out these "description" questionnaires at the first class. Funny, but there were only 10 "unique" ones in every class and they were actually only unique in question order.

I bet if we found a questionnaire about insanity PSC and his fellow RPBs would pass with flying colors.

Another troll.....

Well, this is a troll thread.

I actually added some perspective, since this is a common psychology tactic.


Phrasing questions in questionnaires to get the desired response is a well known skewing effect in statistical studies. It's all about perception.

Not a troll thread at all or it would be locked. It won't so get over it.

Secondly your perspective has nothing to do with the topic question "Do you see any of this in the U.S.?" You instead ignored that and went along trolling like you normally do. Now be an adult (if you can) and discuss the topic or move along.

Points of interests to me are points 9 and 13 for two reasons. One, Obama is the current president and two, he is allowing these exact things to take place. Now do you have an argument against that?

 

[GeezerMan]

Nope. I don't see any at all. Now, it's time for you to report to the re-education center for your new instructions.

 

[bobsmith1492]

At first glance, for some reason it sounds like it was written from a communist's perspective.

2, 3, 6, 9, and 13 seem to be the only actual bad signs, thought I doubt they indicate only "fascism." The rest come on a sliding scale:

1. Nationalism is fine. However, nationalism to the point where other nations may be walked on because they are foreign is a bad thing.
2. Obviously bad
3. There's no reason to do this
4. The federal government's primary function, per the Constitution, is national defense. Hence, the military SHOULD comprise a substantial portion, if not the vast majority, of the FEDERAL budget. States should cover other, domestic concerns.
5. The sexes are different and tend to do different things. Men want to be leaders. Get over it!
6. The government should have no control over the media, agreed.
7. See #4. Using fear as a tool is very subjective and probably also linked to #6, however, so there is definitely danger here.
8. For many people, their religion is the most important thing in the world. If the US is a democratic-based government, it is logical that religion will influence the government. Now, ill-intentioned people may easily subvert religious language to their own ends (see televangelists et. al.). Definitely danger here; my point is that "religion" must not be blamed for people who take advantage of it.
9. Corporations must stand on their own two feet against their competition. The government has no interest here besides, POSSIBLY, funding for tools it requires to operate. Examples include software for tax processing and development of military hardware.
10. I don't get this one... it sounds like a talking point from some communist manifesto. That said, the government must not dabble in the labor market (see #9).
11. The government should never attack artists, obviously, unless by some definition of "artist" one interferes with #4.
12. See #4 again... of course there are extremes. Police are necessary for an orderly society; however, the old adage applies: "Absolute power corrupts absolutely."
13. Corruption kills government. Government must be for the advancement of the country, NOT the interest of those who govern.
14. Definitely a no-go. However, facts are hard to come by and opinions fly fast and free when this topic is brought up. Did Bush "steal the election?" Is Castro a legitimate ruler? What about Venezuela's Chavez?

Ultimately a good government can only exist for as long as good people run it. In a democratically-based government, the people who run the government reflect the general population. Hence, a good, democratically-based government will only last as long as the citizens are good people. As corrupt people are more and more tolerated, criminals glorified, hard workers and builders scorned, and perversion diffuses all, the government can't help but falter.

I believe the US is sliding away from the governmental ideal where it may have been close in the past. However, I would argue we are sliding more toward socialism than fascism but the difference is only a matter of degree and perspective. Governments assume more control and power as they age. That is a simple fact.

 

[bobsmith1492]

Phrasing questions in questionnaires to get the desired response is a well known skewing effect in statistical studies. It's all about perception.

I agree, the phrasing in this list is very suggestive and vague.

It's easy to confuse people with commonalities, assuming correlation equals causation - I believe Godwin's Law applies??

For example, consider the statement: "Germany under Hitler experienced massive economic growth. The US has recently experienced massive economic growth."

The only point of making this statement is to subconsciously push the reader to equate the two objects of comparison even though there is no substantive or logical reason to do so. The critical reader will think through a few facts and conclude that this comparison has only one purpose: to disparage the US. However, the casual reader will take note of the comparison without consciously rejecting the false assumption and their net opinion of the US will be diminished (assuming they have a poor opinion of Germany under Hitler...)

 

[AreaCode707]

You kinda had me until 5:

5. Rampant Sexism - The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Divorce, abortion and homosexuality are suppressed and the state is represented as the ultimate guardian of the family institution.

That point reveals that this was written with an agenda and intentionally targeting the US, rather than in reflection on actual fascist regimes. In most historical fascist regimes, divorce and abortion were already largely socially repugnant (recall that the strongest fascist regimes in history were at times when divorce and abortion were social horrors in all places of the world) and so there was no "suppression". Likewise with homosexuality, where it was already suppressed and at worst it became persecuted. And likewise with gender roles; in those times and at those places there were already rigid gender roles. If anything you could observe that gender roles became more elastic, since war efforts and patriotism called for all to do their duty.

The point does not in any way reflect historical fascism as I understand it, so I'd consider it to taint the list and show an underlying goal to the bullets and comparison.

Though I do agree the US is headed into a downhill fascist/socialist slide... I just don't think all the comparisons on the list are valid.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
Bush - 1-4, 6-9, 13, 14
Obama - 9, 13

I do not agree that Bush controlled the mass media. I disliked Bush's presidency as much as the next guy, but I do not think that "they" rigged his election.

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: LegendKiller
lol, broad generalizations. My psych professors used to hand out these "description" questionnaires at the first class. Funny, but there were only 10 "unique" ones in every class and they were actually only unique in question order.

I bet if we found a questionnaire about insanity PSC and his fellow RPBs would pass with flying colors.

Another troll.....

Well, this is a troll thread.

I actually added some perspective, since this is a common psychology tactic.


Phrasing questions in questionnaires to get the desired response is a well known skewing effect in statistical studies. It's all about perception.

Not a troll thread at all or it would be locked. It won't so get over it.

Secondly your perspective has nothing to do with the topic question "Do you see any of this in the U.S.?" You instead ignored that and went along trolling like you normally do. Now be an adult (if you can) and discuss the topic or move along.

Points of interests to me are points 9 and 13 for two reasons. One, Obama is the current president and two, he is allowing these exact things to take place. Now do you have an argument against that?

Again, you utterly miss the point (big surprise). Any of these questions can apply to any country around the world, or all of them in fact. Why? Because it is based upon YOUR opinion of reality, skewed through the questions that may direct you to believe a certain way.

It's obvious your own skewing has occurred, in that you think that governments should be minimalist, thus you attack the two things that are antithesis to your beliefs, 9 and 13, again, big surprise. With Bush you go with popular conspiracy theories (media made Bush...etc), big surprise.

I won't answer the questionnaire because it is a bad one to begin with. You misunderstand the fundamental reasoning behind this type of questionnaire. People above even agree it is skewed.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Again, you utterly miss the point (big surprise). Any of these questions can apply to any country around the world, or all of them in fact. Why? Because it is based upon YOUR opinion of reality, skewed through the questions that may direct you to believe a certain way.

It's obvious your own skewing has occurred, in that you think that governments should be minimalist, thus you attack the two things that are antithesis to your beliefs, 9 and 13, again, big surprise. With Bush you go with popular conspiracy theories (media made Bush...etc), big surprise.

I won't answer the questionnaire because it is a bad one to begin with. You misunderstand the fundamental reasoning behind this type of questionnaire. People above even agree it is skewed.

Please troll somewhere else. Its clear there are more adept people here at joining in the conversation like adults than a child throwing temper tantrums because he doesn't agree. You are a troll pure and simple. Now go away, grown ups are having a discussion.

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Again, you utterly miss the point (big surprise). Any of these questions can apply to any country around the world, or all of them in fact. Why? Because it is based upon YOUR opinion of reality, skewed through the questions that may direct you to believe a certain way.

It's obvious your own skewing has occurred, in that you think that governments should be minimalist, thus you attack the two things that are antithesis to your beliefs, 9 and 13, again, big surprise. With Bush you go with popular conspiracy theories (media made Bush...etc), big surprise.

I won't answer the questionnaire because it is a bad one to begin with. You misunderstand the fundamental reasoning behind this type of questionnaire. People above even agree it is skewed.

Please troll somewhere else. Its clear there are more adept people here at joining in the conversation like adults than a child throwing temper tantrums because he doesn't agree. You are a troll pure and simple. Now go away, grown ups are having a discussion.

You've argued on the internet before, haven't you?

 

[JohnOfSheffield]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: cubeless

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
snip

Your thoughts?

u r an idiot...

bo does 1 and 3 at a minimum, and get over the stolen election thing...

and give bo a little while to warm up...

So says the guy that types "u r" :laugh:

It's more intelligent than anything you've EVER written.

Go forth tinfoil hat man and pretend that you know your head from your arse.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: AreaCode707
You kinda had me until 5:

5. Rampant Sexism - The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Divorce, abortion and homosexuality are suppressed and the state is represented as the ultimate guardian of the family institution.

That point reveals that this was written with an agenda and intentionally targeting the US, rather than in reflection on actual fascist regimes. In most historical fascist regimes, divorce and abortion were already largely socially repugnant (recall that the strongest fascist regimes in history were at times when divorce and abortion were social horrors in all places of the world) and so there was no "suppression". Likewise with homosexuality, where it was already suppressed and at worst it became persecuted. And likewise with gender roles; in those times and at those places there were already rigid gender roles. If anything you could observe that gender roles became more elastic, since war efforts and patriotism called for all to do their duty.

The point does not in any way reflect historical fascism as I understand it, so I'd consider it to taint the list and show an underlying goal to the bullets and comparison.

Though I do agree the US is headed into a downhill fascist/socialist slide... I just don't think all the comparisons on the list are valid.

I didn't even choose 5, as I didn't see any correlation. But I see your point. I think most (if not all) governments have been male dominated. Not to mention most of societies throughout history, so I didn't give #5 much credence.

On point 9 - The recent AIG/bailout/control of corporations is quite obvious to see. Those with connections kept their stature/wealth because of government. Otherwise they would have failed.

On point 13 - Goldman-Sachs is obvious here. Henry Paulson with Bush and now Tim Geithner with Obama. Both appointed by government and both involved in spending spree's for their constituents.

 

[JohnOfSheffield]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Again, you utterly miss the point (big surprise). Any of these questions can apply to any country around the world, or all of them in fact. Why? Because it is based upon YOUR opinion of reality, skewed through the questions that may direct you to believe a certain way.

It's obvious your own skewing has occurred, in that you think that governments should be minimalist, thus you attack the two things that are antithesis to your beliefs, 9 and 13, again, big surprise. With Bush you go with popular conspiracy theories (media made Bush...etc), big surprise.

I won't answer the questionnaire because it is a bad one to begin with. You misunderstand the fundamental reasoning behind this type of questionnaire. People above even agree it is skewed.

Please troll somewhere else. Its clear there are more adept people here at joining in the conversation like adults than a child throwing temper tantrums because he doesn't agree. You are a troll pure and simple. Now go away, grown ups are having a discussion.

There is no conversation, just you waving your dick around and calling everyone who disagrees with your "fastest way to a conclusion" conclusion a troll.

You're a parody of yourself and that is all you ever will be because you don't have the intelligence to actually discuss anything, you take one wild point and run it into the ground and that's all you EVER do.

It's quite pathetic.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
Bush - 1-4, 6-9, 13, 14
Obama - 9, 13

I do not agree that Bush controlled the mass media. I disliked Bush's presidency as much as the next guy, but I do not think that "they" rigged his election.

The only reason why I put that there is because of the tone of Fox News Corp. during Bush's administration. Lots of buzz words and "terror terror terror".

On the election - Maybe they did, maybe they didn't. No one will be able to prove it so IMO its a wash.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Again, you utterly miss the point (big surprise). Any of these questions can apply to any country around the world, or all of them in fact. Why? Because it is based upon YOUR opinion of reality, skewed through the questions that may direct you to believe a certain way.

It's obvious your own skewing has occurred, in that you think that governments should be minimalist, thus you attack the two things that are antithesis to your beliefs, 9 and 13, again, big surprise. With Bush you go with popular conspiracy theories (media made Bush...etc), big surprise.

I won't answer the questionnaire because it is a bad one to begin with. You misunderstand the fundamental reasoning behind this type of questionnaire. People above even agree it is skewed.

Please troll somewhere else. Its clear there are more adept people here at joining in the conversation like adults than a child throwing temper tantrums because he doesn't agree. You are a troll pure and simple. Now go away, grown ups are having a discussion.

You've argued on the internet before, haven't you?

Please add to this discussion or move along. Thank you

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: JohnOfSheffield

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: cubeless

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
snip

Your thoughts?

u r an idiot...

bo does 1 and 3 at a minimum, and get over the stolen election thing...

and give bo a little while to warm up...

So says the guy that types "u r" :laugh:

It's more intelligent than anything you've EVER written.

Go forth tinfoil hat man and pretend that you know your head from your arse.

Thanks for being a troll. Move along now

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: JohnOfSheffield

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: cubeless

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
snip

Your thoughts?

u r an idiot...

bo does 1 and 3 at a minimum, and get over the stolen election thing...

and give bo a little while to warm up...

So says the guy that types "u r" :laugh:

It's more intelligent than anything you've EVER written.

Go forth tinfoil hat man and pretend that you know your head from your arse.

Thanks for being a troll. Move along now

So, anybody who disagrees with you is a troll? Nice! Must be great living in your world.