The Looming Charm of Fascism: Why the Left Can Be Just as Dangerous
There is a pervasive belief that the political 'left' cannot be fascist due to its inherent forward-thinking nature. However, the reality is more complex and nuanced. This article explores how the left can indeed become fascist, often in ways that can be even more insidious and destructive.
Understanding Fascism and the Left
Fascism is characterized by a centralized autocracy, nationalism, authoritarianism, militarism, and a deep belief in a natural social hierarchy. While the American political left is currently democratic, it is imperative to acknowledge that any political party can slip into fascist tendencies.
The left, despite its progressive and forward-thinking ideals, can manifest fascist traits. Social engineering, strict enforcement of norms, and the use of authoritarian measures to control and regulate society are hallmarks of both left-leaning and right-leaning extremism. As such, the left can embody the same extreme centralization and state power that are associated with fascism.
The Inherent Backwardness of Fascism
Fascism is inherently backward-looking, with an antagonism towards progress. The idea of progressivism is antithetical to fascism because progress undermines the hierarchical and static social structures that fascists seek to preserve. Thus, any attempt to progress and modernize can be met with fierce resistance from fascist elements.
The Left’s Potential for Greater Extremism
In some ways, the left can be more dangerous because it does not make any pretense of normality or order. Unlike fascist regimes, which often use established institutions (like the church or industry) to legitimize their rule, the left engages in violent and rapid destruction of all existing structures. This total and immediate control, often accompanied by extreme violence and brainwashing, can make the left's form of fascism far more extreme and effective.
Key Terms and Misconceptions
The use of terms like 'left' and 'right' is often misleading and romanticizes these political ideologies. The opposite of 'the left' is not 'the right,' but rather 'the right' in the true sense of the word, which involves prioritizing traditional values and individual freedoms. The language we use is crucial because it shapes our understanding of these political entities.
Terms like 'class struggle' and 'class replacement' are used euphemistically to wage war on private enterprise and national institutions, deluding people into acting as agents of state terror. The reality is a more sinister version of 'class replacement' aimed at subjugating all individuals under the control of an elite few.
Implications for Democratic Societies
The doctrines of the left, when pushed to their extremes, can lead to a form of fascism that is both more pervasive and more harmful than traditional forms. The lack of pretense and the immediate and complete dismantling of existing structures make this form of extremism more insidious and harder to counter. The potential for 'class replacement' and the eradication of all opposing views turn individuals into mere parts of a collective rather than free agents.
In Conclusion
The left can and has the potential to become fascist, often in ways that are even more dangerous and destructive. It is crucial to recognize this, understand the mechanisms at play, and vigilantly guard against the erosion of democratic values and institutions. The future of any democratic society hangs in the balance, and recognizing the potential for such extremism is a critical first step towards preventing it.