Lecture Notes on Fascism

Speaker

• Name: Jason Stanley
• Title: Jacob Urowsky Professor of Philosophy at Yale University
• Notable Work: Author of "How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them"

Definition and Characteristics of Fascism

• Cult of the Leader:
  • Promises national restoration by countering perceived humiliation.
  • Targets immigrants, leftists, liberals, minorities, women, and other groups.
  • Advocates for a strong, violent response led by a macho leader.
• Ideological Nature:
  • Fundamentally right-wing and ultra-nationalistic.
  • Not all authoritarian or violent regimes are fascist.
  • Fascism is a specific ideological structure that combines various elements.

Historical Context

• Origins in Democracy:
  • Many fascist regimes began as democratic political parties (e.g., Nazi Party in Germany).
  • Tactics of fascism can be found even in non-fascist societies.

Fascist Propaganda

• Mythic Past:
  • Utilizes a glorified national past, emphasizing military strength and racial dominance.
• Friend/Enemy Distinction:
  • Opponents are portrayed as existential threats to national traditions and existence.
• Role of Science and Truth:
  • Truth is subverted to support the leader's narrative.
  • Reality and expertise challenge the leader's authority.

Democracy and Truth

• Importance of Truth:
  • Democracy relies on truth; without it, freedom and equality are compromised.
  • Political equality involves each voice being equally important, which necessitates truth.

Hierarchy and Racism

• Central Lie:
  • Racism and hierarchy are based on the lie of moral and inherent superiority.
• Victimhood Narrative:
  • Dominant groups are portrayed as victims of equality efforts.

Law and Order

• Manipulation of the Concept:
  • Law and order rhetoric serves to distinguish legitimate from illegitimate groups.
  • The leader and dominant group are inherently lawful; minorities are not.

Fear and Division

• Use of Fear:
  • Claims that minority groups threaten women and children to justify strong leadership.
• Urban/Rural Divide:
  • Urban areas are depicted as decadent and criminal.
  • Rural areas are portrayed as morally superior and hardworking.

Work Ethic and Value

• Labor Rhetoric:
  • Emphasis on hard work as a virtue, contrasting minority groups as inherently lazy.
  • Devaluation of individuals unable to work (e.g., disabled people).

Conclusion

• Indicators of Fascism:
  • Worry when numerous elements (e.g., division, propaganda, hierarchical narratives) converge.
  • Fascism thrives when honest conservatives are convinced of an existential threat to their way of life.