Fatal Attraction, American Stasi Dept. 0
At the Psychology Today website, Guy P. Harrison explores the attraction of fascism. Here’s his list of the characteristics of fascist regimes; I think it will sound familiar.
- Authoritarian style leadership
- Simplistic symbolism and mass rallies
- Extreme, pathological patriotism
- Anger over the loss of an idealized past that never existed
- Exploitation of racist fears and racial divisions
- Overt politicization of law enforcement
- Call for “traditional” hierarchical gender roles at the expense of women’s rights/opportunities
- Military aggression against other countries and territories
- Undermining of elections and democratic values
- Overt corruption
- Restrictions and attacks on the free press
- Heavy use of lying and propaganda
- Editing of history to promote accommodating myths and minimize the real histories of marginalized people
I commend his article to your attention as a worthwhile read in these times in which truth, justice, and the American way are being Trumpled from within.
