Someone is called a fascist based on adherence to a set of authoritarian political beliefs and behaviors characterized by extreme nationalism, a cult of an infallible leader, suppression of opposition, and the belief in the supremacy of the nation or race over individuals. Key traits include glorification of violence, disdain for human rights, scapegoating of minorities or perceived enemies, control over mass media, rejection of democratic liberties, and the promotion of a unified but exclusionary national community often driven by fear of decline or victimhood. Fascists typically reject individual freedoms, endorse militarism, and seek to maintain traditional social hierarchies with strong gender roles. They tend to oppose intellectual dissent and use propaganda to create a narrative of crisis and conspiracy that justifies their actions.
Core Characteristics of Fascism
- Authoritarian leadership with a cult of infallibility
- Extreme nationalism and perceived victimhood of the nation
- Suppression or elimination of political opposition
- Use of violence and militarism as political tools
- Scapegoating minorities or out-groups as enemies
- Control and manipulation of truth and media
- Disdain for individual rights and democratic institutions
- Promoting traditional social roles and hierarchies, including sexism and racism.
Psychological and Social Elements
- Fascism appeals to people experiencing social, economic, or cultural trauma by offering a sense of unity and purpose through a collective identity
- It often propagates conspiracy theories and portrays the group as besieged and needing to fight back
- Fascist leaders exploit fear, grievance, and frustration to consolidate power and demand loyalty over competence.
Thus, a person labeled as a fascist typically espouses or supports this political ideology and these behaviors and principles.
