OBS POST #43: Going Nazi?
Here's your handy guide on how to recognize fascists, Nazis and other assorted bastids...
We live in crazed times, but it is not as if humanity has not had bouts of insanity through our intrepid history. It is probably safe to say that we have gone through insane times when opportunists (polite for bastids) have wanted to wield power over their brothers and sisters because they felt they were smarter and more worthy. To combat this arrogance, and it is arrogance, I have created this handy dandy guide to not only help you recognize but also resist extremist ideologies. But first let’s look at two key terms and how they evolved.
Going Nazi?
Nazi is the shortened form of "Nationalsozialist" (National Socialist) which was the name of the German party known as Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (National Socialist German Workers' Party). The term Nazi evolved from the German male name Ignaz, which was derogatory for a backwards peasant. Political opponents of the Nationalsozialistische party started referring to them as the "Nazi" party as an intended insult. Party members preferred to be called "Nationalsozialisten" (National Socialists). There was nothing social about them.
The Only Good Fascist Is a…
The word fascist has an interesting history. It comes from the Italian word "fascismo," which derives from "fascio" meaning "a bundle" or "group," and ultimately from the Latin "fasces." The fasces were an ancient Roman symbol consisting of a bundle of rods tied around an axe, representing strength through unity and the authority of Roman officials. Mussolini adopted this symbol for his movement, which began in 1919 with the creation of the "Fasci Italiani di Combattimento" (Italian Combat Squads). The first organized fascist movement emerged in Italy under Mussolini's leadership, and the term later became generalized to describe similar ultranationalist, authoritarian movements and ideologies.
While both terms originated as specific references to the Italian Fascist Party and the German Nazi Party, they've since evolved in common usage to describe similar political philosophies that share characteristics with these regimes.
How to Recognize and Resist Extremist Ideologies: A Personal Guide
We live in a complex world where extremist ideologies can sometimes be subtle and persuasive. Here's how you can recognize warning signs and protect yourself from being drawn into extreme ideologies.
Key Warning Signs to Watch For
In Groups and Messages
Us vs. Them Rhetoric: Be wary when groups constantly divide the world into "good" and "bad" people
Simple Solutions: Distrust claims of easy answers to complex social or economic problems
Dehumanizing Language: Watch for language that describes any group as less than human
Historical Revision: Be cautious of attempts to rewrite or glorify troubled historical periods
Persecution Narratives: Be skeptical when a powerful group claims they're being victimized
In Social Media and News
Emotional Manipulation: Watch for content designed to provoke fear or anger
Echo Chambers: Be wary if you're encouraged to only trust certain news sources
Conspiracy Theories: Be skeptical of claims that vast conspiracies explain complex events
Coded Language: Pay attention to seemingly innocent terms that carry hidden meanings
False Urgency: Question messages that demand immediate action without time for reflection
Militarism and Violence
Glorification of military power
Acceptance of violence as a political tool
Emphasis on strength over diplomacy
Portrayal of opponents as existential threats
Wearing military-style clothing in civilian contexts
Using military ranks in non-military organizations
Demonization of Opponents
Describing critics as enemies of the state/people
Painting opponents as existential threats
Using language of warfare in political discourse
Claiming self-defense against peaceful opposition
Creating crisis narratives requiring urgent action
Portraying disagreement as treason
Personal Protection Strategies
Build Your Knowledge
Read diverse sources of information
Study history from reputable sources
Learn about different cultures and perspectives
Understand basic logical fallacies
Develop strong media literacy skills
Practice Critical Thinking
Question sweeping generalizations
Fact-check extraordinary claims
Look for primary sources
Consider multiple viewpoints
Take time to reflect before reacting
Maintain Healthy Social Connections
Keep friends with diverse viewpoints
Stay connected to family and community
Engage in positive social activities
Support vulnerable groups in your community
Practice empathy and understanding
Digital Self-Defense
Verify information before sharing
Use diverse news sources
Take breaks from social media
Question algorithmic recommendations
Report harmful content
Red Flags That Require Immediate Attention
Watch out if you find yourself:
Cutting off friends who disagree with you
Seeing other groups as inherently evil
Feeling that violence might be justified
Believing only one source of information
Losing empathy for others' suffering
Additional Red Flags:
Aggressive language becoming normal
Dismissal of peaceful solutions
Speaking of violence as cleansing or necessary
Using dehumanizing terms for opponents
Normalization of political violence
Intimidation tactics
Celebrating acts of political violence
Conclusion:
Remember these core principles:
Complex problems rarely have simple solutions
Diverse communities are resilient communities
Doubt and questioning are healthy
Compassion is strength, not weakness
Democracy requires active participation
Afterword
History has shown us where extremist ideologies can lead. But history has also shown us that informed, engaged citizens are our strongest defense against extremism. Every day, we face choices: to verify or share blindly, to build bridges or walls, to question or accept, to include or exclude. These seemingly simple choices add up to create either fertile ground for extremism or a strong bulwark against it.*
By recognizing these warning signs and choosing to act on them, we don't just protect ourselves - we strengthen our communities and our democracy. The time to be alert, aware, and active is now. Our shared future depends on it!
Dear Larry - this is by far one of the more brilliant pieces describing the situation that i have read !!!!
Spot on. I just published my first Substack. I think you might like it as we move forward into the coming weeks. I’d be honored if you would take a look.