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Fascism Fatigue
Have you heard the words “Islamofascism” and just “fascism” thrown around by the Bush administration and their supporters lately in press releases and speeches? “Islamofascism” as a term has been around for more than a decade to describe some Islamist movements, used by those with a particular take on the so-called War on Terror. It’s their twist of language that doesn’t quite meet with historical reality. I’ve been noticing more use of the term “fascism” on its own, too. There is no base in historical fact for the way they are relating these stateless, religious movements to the nationalist, secular movements of the 20th century. If it weren’t such a powerful subversion of language, it might be amusing to see a leftist cry used by the right.
Of course, there is also talk of fascism on the left—of authoritarian, nationalist, militaristic government stretching its control over communications and civil liberty, not to mention hearts and minds.
I think what is really going on here is an effort to create fascism fatigue. Put the word out in front of Americans who may not be able to put the term in historical context by themselves, and they may believe what they are told about it. And, they may tire of hearing about it. Then, when people are confused or distracted and search engines are overwhelmed with neocon uses of the term, we won’t find an outline of the 14 points of fascism (outlined by novelist Laurence W. Britt) and notice the eery familiarity of authoritarian regimes to current regimes.
As far as I know, conservatives haven’t tried to use the term “anti-fascism” to their advantage yet. Get your terms while they are hot.
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NOT TO BE MISSED: Project for the Old American Century has listed Britt’s 14 points of fascism then linked story after story to each point.
Archive
September 1st, 2006 at 10:25 am
Project for the Old American Century posted an entry on Islamo-fascism today on their blog.
September 1st, 2006 at 1:16 pm
Oh, and Keith Olbermann put it right out there in his response to Donald Rumsfeld’s speech in Salt Lake City. He gave Rumsfeld a history lesson on fascism. Great read. I don’t seriously believe this kind of reasoning will reach those who are currently on their speaking tour, but maybe the people listening to the tour will be able to comprehend the way this regime is toying with language and history.
September 1st, 2006 at 1:51 pm
Today must be the major response day to the Fascism Tour begun this week. Jim Lobe, “‘Fascism’ Frame Set up by Right-Wing Press,” an Inter Press story at Common Dreams today.
November 4th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
[…] I already wrote about the Bush administration’s fun with the term “Islamofascism.” Tossing the word around makes it more familiar and, perhaps, less scary. It still scares me, though. I have spent enough time studying the fascist movements of the mid-twentieth century that I realize we are frogs boiling slowly. It’s happening so slowly that we don’t jump. JUMP! […]