Defining Fascism

JL Wilson takes a whack at defining fascism. One of the most thought provoking descriptions of fascism was written by Umberto Eco.

Eco’s introduction: “In spite of some fuzziness regarding the difference between various historical forms of fascism, I think it is possible to outline a list of features that are typical of what I would like to call Ur-Fascism, or Eternal Fascism. These features cannot be organized into a system; many of them contradict each other, and are also typical of other kinds of despotism or fanaticism. But it is enough that one of them be present to allow fascism to coagulate around it.”

Eco’s 14 features:

“The first feature of Ur-Fascism is the cult of tradition.

Traditionalism implies the rejection of modernism.

Irrationalism also depends on the cult of action for action's sake.

The critical spirit makes distinctions, and to distinguish is a sign of modernism.

Besides, disagreement is a sign of diversity.

Ur-Fascism derives from individual or social frustration.

To people who feel deprived of a clear social identity, Ur-Fascism says that their only privilege is the most common one, to be born in the same country.

The followers must feel humiliated by the ostentatious wealth and force of their enemies.

For Ur-Fascism there is no struggle for life but, rather, life is lived for struggle.

Elitism is a typical aspect of any reactionary ideology, insofar as it is fundamentally aristocratic, and aristocratic and militaristic elitism cruelly implies contempt for the weak.

In such a perspective everybody is educated to become a hero.

Since both permanent war and heroism are difficult games to play, the Ur-Fascist transfers his will to power to sexual matters.

Ur-Fascism is based upon a selective populism, a qualitative populism, one might say.

Ur-Fascism speaks Newspeak.”

Eco hit the mark when he remarked that the features of fascism cannot be systematized. They are for the most part not predicated on a set of consistent core principles; rather, they appear to me to derive from some of the baser emotions.

One consistent thread in the features is the devaluation of the individual and the elevation of the collective to central prominence. The individual, unless he is the leader who embodies the collective will, is of no consequence except to the extent that he serves the state and advances the collective struggle. The individual’s sole source of meaning is his identity with the collective. Diversity is not tolerated. “Disagreement is treason.” Thinking is for pussies. The pre-modern, irrational way of understanding the world through revealed truth is preferred over modern critical perspectives.

What fascists might do with post-modernism sends shivers up my spine. The rejection of modernism can be given the imprimatur of intellectual legitimacy if framed in post-modern terms.