MB Civic

On January 18th, Michael posted an article called “Is Fascism Lurking?,” which mentions Naomi Wolf’s “Fascist America in 10 East Steps.” I responded with the following:

The following is Naomi Wolf’s “Fascist America in 10 Easy Steps”:

1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy

2. Create a gulag

3. Develop a thug caste

4. Set up an internal surveillance system

5. Harass citizens’ groups

6. Engage in arbitrary detention and release

7. Target key individuals

8. Control the press

9. Dissent equals treason

10. Suspend the rule of law

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/apr/24/usa.comment

By my count, only #1 and #8 have been mostly accomplished, with #4, #5, #7 and #9 having some relevance, though only partially (for now…)

The following is Lawrence Britt’s “14 Characteristics of Fascism”:

1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism

2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights

3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause

4. Supremacy of the Military

5. Rampant Sexism

6. Controlled Mass Media

7. Obsession with National Security

8. Religion and Government are Intertwined

9. Corporate Power is Protected

10. Labor Power is Suppressed

11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts

12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment

13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption

14. Fraudulent Elections

http://www.ratical.org/ratville/CAH/fasci14chars.html

By my count, #1, #3, #4, #6, #7, #9, and #13 have been mostly accomplished, with #8, #10, #11 and #14 having some relevance (and with #8 and #10 becoming increasingly relevant).

Thus, although some of their aspects overlap – and American “fascism” is likely to take a form that incorporates a variety of elements from both lists – it seems to me that we are much closer on Britt’s scale than we are on Wolf’s.

Peace.