Early Warning Signs of Fascism
Fascism can be described as "a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government, according to a Princeton University website. Fascists often seek to silence anyone who disagrees with their limited point of view: the most obvious and tragic example of this was the Holocaust during World War II. Millions of dissenters who did not believe in fascism (or were considered genetically undesirable) were killed. It's important to understand the early warning signs of fascism so that you can prevent its worst aspects from infiltrating your community.
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Creation of Scapegoats
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One of the first things proponents of fascism do is create scapegoats (individuals or groups) on which they blame problems. The purpose of this is to create a unifying theme that will bring the fascists together, and have them focus their energies upon a common, but fictional, enemy.
Overwhelming Propaganda
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Next, fascists manufacturer propaganda campaigns to bring new recruits into the party and energize old ones. Propaganda can take the form of television, printed or on-line media, or radio shows: whatever gets the fascist message across constantly and forcefully.
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Military Supremacy
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Fascists are quick to emphasize military supremacy as an important goal, as well as the best way to solve conflicts. When a conflict begins or is brought up, fascists advocate military methods as the fastest and only way to solve the problem; they will not hear of other potential methods, such as holding summits or peace talks.
Control of Media
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Fascists are quick to take control of the media, so that no other messages except those approved by their party can reach the public. They disdain and seek to eliminate all forms of free speech, whether the are printed or spoken.
Protection Obsession
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Fascists are obsessed with national security and protection. Often, they will use these as the reasons for any type of military intervention, whether or not it is warranted. By making people believe that their safety is at risk, fascists can more easily recruit individuals into their party, and make others believe in their cause.
Blind Patriotism
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Blind patriotism is an early concept espoused by fascists. They ask their supporters to believe that only a select group of people (those with characteristics chosen by the fascists) are worthy of protection. Fascists demand that members of their party unquestioningly follow this line of reasoning without fail.
Silencing of Dissenters
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Finally, fascists seek to silence dissenters, usually by non-violent methods at first. They can force individuals out of their jobs, or positions of power, in which they espouse a point of view that is different from that of the fascists.
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References
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