The rise of fascistic tendencies, a phenomenon extending beyond the fringes of internet communities, signals a deeper malaise within our social fabric. We must understand the myriad forms in which fascism manifests, often disguising itself in the guise of ordinary societal interactions and institutional structures.
I have observed an increasing prevalence of fascistic tendencies within our society. These tendencies are not only evident in niche internet communities, such as the manosphere, but also in the increasingly bold rhetoric of various public figures. A vocal, albeit minority, group espousing fascist ideologies seems to be disproportionately representing the broader populace, a development I find deeply concerning. This trend has prompted me to ponder its underlying causes.
Typically, when we consider fascism or totalitarianism, our minds turn to its manifestation on a grand scale, exemplified by regimes like Hitler's Germany or Stalin's Soviet Union. However, at a fundamental level, it is the micro-actions of individuals and their varying degrees of acceptance that contribute to the establishment of control in a totalitarian or fascistic system.
"And not only historical fascism, the fascism of Hitler and Mussolini - which was able to mobilize and use the desire of the masses so effectively - but also the fascism in us all, in our heads and in our everyday behavior, the fascism that causes us to love power, to desire the very thing that dominates and exploits us." - Michel Foucault, preface to Anti-Oedipus
So, the emergence of large-scale fascism can often be traced to more subtle, micro-level expressions. A succinct way to understand micro-fascism might be: While it is relatively straightforward to oppose fascism on a broad societal level, it becomes significantly more challenging to recognize and confront the fascist tendencies within ourselves.
This is where we should think about the formation of group identities, particularly in online spaces like the manosphere, which can be understood through social identity theory, suggesting that individuals derive a sense of self from their group affiliations, leading to ingroup bias and outgroup derogation. In extreme cases, this can manifest as fascistic rhetoric, where the ingroup's superiority is emphasized at the expense of the outgroup.
"This extremism has been building for decades with rightwing media pundits' embrace of increasingly conspiratorial, authoritarian, racist and xenophobic messages, which has gone unacknowledged for the most part in mainstream political and academic discourse." - Anthony Dimaggio
Political scientist Anthony DiMaggio, in his book "Rising Fascism in America: It Can Happen Here," discusses how elements of fascistic politics in America have grown more extreme, especially under Trump's presidency.
He emphasizes that the U.S. is not a fully consolidated fascist country like Germany or Italy in the early 20th century, but the rising fascistic movement poses a threat to the stability of the republic. DiMaggio points out societal "enablers" such as scholars, journalists, and political parties who have downplayed the dangers of these movements.
Essentially, the lack of or the receding of certain leaders or movements goes into a macro level of understanding around fascism that misses the various drives and desires we find ourselves having in our every day life.
Fascism is deeply embedded in every day relationships and desires.
"Others are enclaves whose archaism is just as capable of nourishing a modern fascism as of freeing a revolutionary charge (the ethnic minorities, the Basque problem, the Irish Catholics, the Indian reservations). Some of these archaisms take form as if spontaneously, in the very current of the movement of deterritoriahzation (neighborhood territorialities, territorialities of the large aggregates, "gangs").
Others are organized or promoted by the State, even though they might turn against the State and cause it serious problems (regionalism, nationalism). The fascist State has been without doubt capitalism's most fantastic attempt at economic and political reterritorialization. But the socialist State also has its own minorities, its own territorialities, which re-form themselves against the State, or which the State instigates and organizes. (Russian nationalism, the territoriality of the party: the proletariat was only able to constitute itself as a class on the basis of artificial neoterritorialities; in parallel fashion, the bourgeoisie reterritorializes itself in forms that are at times the most archaic.)" - Deleuze and Gutarri, Anti-Oedipus
It's important to remember that many forms of fascism originated as acts of rebellion, even if that rebellion aimed to preserve a perceived way of life believed to be under threat or destruction. Take, for instance, the early stages of the Soviet Union: the revolutions initially emerged as tools of liberation. However, under various pressures, such as the inherent conditions of the revolution itself, these movements became perverted or corrupted into forms of fascism.
This cycle illustrates how ideologies or movements, initially intended to free individuals or societies from oppression or stagnation, can over time morph into oppressive and destructive forces themselves.
The transition into fascism occurs when an initially liberatory impulse becomes entangled with authoritarianism, exclusion, and a desire for control. This shift happens when the quest for liberation turns absolutist, or begins to infringe upon the freedoms and rights of others in the name of a specific ideology or objective.
Liberation movements start by attempting to deconstruct existing structures on a macro scale, only to inadvertently reconstruct themselves into oppressive systems.
Our minds are prone to making comparisons and often gravitate towards creating micro-hierarchies. This tendency lays the groundwork for institutionalizing fascism. Deleuze and Guattari emphasize that fascism extends beyond a mere political ideology, penetrating various societal structures and institutions.
These structures, which can encompass education systems, family units, media, and economic frameworks, often subtly promote conformity, obedience, and hierarchical thinking - fertile grounds for the cultivation of authoritarian and fascistic tendencies.
We live under systems that aim to destroy the essence of our humanity.
Consider our school systems…
State by state, school systems are dominated by standardized testing, often to the extent of teaching children to pass tests rather than providing them with a comprehensive education. This approach perpetuates a system of control, creating citizens who are predictable and conforming. Our rigid educational system thus inadvertently discourages critical thinking and may, whether unconsciously or consciously, cultivate a populace more susceptible to authoritarian manipulation.
When these structures normalize authoritarian values, they inadvertently create an environment conducive to the growth of fascist ideologies.
Consider the individuals behind various internet hate groups. They are not inherently hateful; instead, factors in their personal lives often drive them toward a fascistic mindset. Discontent with aspects such as relationships, home life, or employment can foster a sense of anger and loss of control.
So, they seek the external to answer the turmoil they feel in their internal life. They seek to empower the individual fascist within them, and these individuals gravitate towards group identities that seemingly offer a restoration of control and belonging.
The result illustrates how personal grievances can morph into broader, more dangerous ideologies.
So, the insidious growth of fascist ideologies, often rooted in a distorted pursuit of liberation, reveals a complex interplay between individual psyche, societal norms, and institutional practices.
Stay curious.
Brilliant writing as we sit on the cusp in America pre-election.I really appreciate your consideration of personal and micro-fascism.We are witnessing that up close & very personally here following the mega train derailment & toxic fires in East Palestine,Both the nature & timing of the disaster led to a convergence of political,corporate,environmental and media forces in such a way as to kindle & accelerate intense community diivision.Such disasters and other crises in cities and regions(...''micro'') usually upset the status quo and lead to some form of corporate or fascistic dominance.Now,the giant rail company ''owns'' the community here...and,a union of corporate and political forces is at the heart of most fascism.As that plays out here we see the community strongly divided between economic interests and the greater concern for public health.Both are required...but,when one predominates...the shift to a more autocratic situation developes.Of course,within all this,it is wise to take a much closer look at how one's ''personal fascism'' might play into any future developments.Again,thank you Brenden for such a penetrating article...