fascism Mug

militant nationalism. One of the most misdefined words in history, various dictionaries, and also in your head. Is it "a governmental system led by a dictator...etc etc." no, a fascist government can raise to power by means of election. It is also not a historical condition no longer in existence such as 'feudalism'. It does not apply only to certain peoples in a particular time in history. Just like communism or capitalism, it is both a social order and a concept. A case in point: (from dictionary.com) A system of government that flourished in Europe from the 1920s to the end of World War II. Germany under Adolf Hitler, Italy under Mussolini, and Spain under Franco were all fascist states. As a rule, fascist governments are dominated by a dictator, who usually possesses a magnetic personality, wears a showy uniform, and rallies his followers by mass parades; appeals to strident nationalism; and promotes suspicion or hatred of both foreigners and “impure” people within his own nation... During balkan wars Serbian media convinced it's people that they are fighting fascism, because of course, Croats are fascists. But they didn't realize that they themselves were now fascists. Is it inconceivable that one who fought fascism once can become a fascist? yes. It's a concept, Idea, belief, state of mind not a historical condition. And does an Israeli soldier wonder deep down inside if he is a fascist to the Palestinian? World is a turbulent place and often we find ourselves a victim of circumstance either as a victim or a member of a fascist regime. It can happen to anyone anywhere, and when this happens it is good to know at least what the word means? That way you can't say that you didn't know.