Fascism

Your kids want to play in their favorite playground.

One large kid with lots of candy has convinced half of the kids in the playground to all wear red baseball caps and that he and only he should be able to make all the rules.

He and a few bullies, with a lot more candy, are the only ones that decide what games can be played, who gets to play those games, who is allowed into the playground, how fast anyone can run, what candies can be used to get favors, even what clothes any kid is allowed to wear.

He has even convinced the red cap wearing kids that they don't need to listen to the adults anymore because he and his bullies are the only ones to make and enforce the rules unless the adults choose to agree with him.

That is playground Fascism!

Beyond The Playground

Understand the Issue

Fascism is a political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century. It emphasizes nationalism, authoritarianism, and often incorporates economic intervention by the state such as tariffs. Fascist ideologies typically reject liberal democracy and the idea of shared decision making, favoring an hierarchical and centralized system where the state apparatus dominates the economy, society, and political life.

Fascist movements have historically been associated with strong nationalistic sentiment, advocating for "the people" while excluding certain groups such as ethnic or religious minorities or political opponents - more recently the target has been "immigrants". They often create a cult of the leader and suppress individual liberties in favor of collective well-being.

Fascist regimes have a tendency to suppress political opponents, control the media - today that is technology companies the provide social media platforms, while working to limit individual rights and especially the right to vote. They often promote an ideology of superiority over other nations or races, leading to aggressive warfare and human rights abuses.

Actions

What can I do?

Combating fascism requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, civic engagement, and standing up against hate and bigotry. Here are some actions to consider:

Educate oneself and others: Understand the history of fascist ideologies and movements, as well as their impact on society. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and community members.
Promote democratic values: Engage in activities that emphasize the importance of democracy, such as voting in elections, participating in public forums, and encouraging open dialogue within communities.
Civic engagement: Join or start local organizations focused on human rights, social justice, and equality. Participate in peaceful protests and events to promote tolerance and understanding
Support marginalized groups: Advocate for policies that protect and empower underrepresented communities, including those based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or ability.
Monitor and report hate incidents: Be aware of hate crimes and acts of bigotry in your community, and report them to the appropriate authorities when necessary.
Challenge misinformation and propaganda: Question and counteract misleading information that may be used to promote fascist or intolerant beliefs.
Build inclusive communities: Promote social cohesion by participating in and supporting events that celebrate diversity, cultural heritage, and mutual understanding.
Support independent media: Consuming and sharing content from reputable news sources can help combat misinformation and support diverse voices in the media landscape.
Advocate for policy change: Contact elected officials to voice concerns about fascism or any form of intolerance, and work to pass legislation that protects civil rights and promotes equality.
Stand up against hate speech and violence: Confronting hate speech and standing up against acts of aggression can help deter further harm and promote a culture of respect and tolerance.
Encourage empathy and understanding: Work on fostering compassion and open-mindedness within your community, as well as your personal relationships.
Support education reform: Advocate for inclusive curriculum in schools that reflects diverse perspectives and histories to counteract the normalization of fascist ideologies.
Participate in global solidarity: Recognize that fascism is a global issue, and support international efforts to combat it by participating in global campaigns or organizations dedicated to human rights and social justice.
Build coalitions: Collaborate with other individuals and groups who share your commitment to combating fascism and promoting democratic values. Unity among diverse communities can strengthen your collective impact.