The word “fascism” gets thrown around a lot these days—on Twitter/X, in debates, and by anyone trying to score points in an argument. But do most people using it actually know what it means? Probably not. It’s become a catch-all insult for any behavior that feels oppressive or authoritarian, but calling your boss a fascist because they won’t let you take a three-hour lunch is like calling your cat a dictator because it knocked your coffee off the table. Let’s cut through the noise and figure out what fascism is—and what it definitely isn’t.
Fascism: A Political Definition
At its core, fascism is a political ideology that emerged in early 20th-century Europe. It is ultranationalistic, authoritarian, and anti-democratic. Fascism glorifies the state above all else, often personified by a single charismatic leader who demands absolute loyalty. The individual? Forget about it. In a fascist system, you’re just a cog in the machine. Your worth is determined by how well you serve the collective goals of the state.
Let’s break it down into some key characteristics:
1. Ultranationalism
Fascism thrives on an intense focus on national identity, often defined by ethnicity, culture, or religion. The fascist mindset sees the nation as superior to others and worth any sacrifice to protect or expand its power. Think of Mussolini’s Italy, where everything was about reviving the glory of the Roman Empire, or Hitler’s Germany, where Aryan superiority was the rallying cry.
2. Authoritarianism
In a fascist regime, power is centralized and dissent is crushed. Political opposition? Gone. Free press? Not a chance. Civil liberties? Say goodbye. The government controls nearly every aspect of life, and stepping out of line often comes with severe consequences.
3. Militarism
Fascist states glorify violence and military strength. War isn’t seen as a last resort—it’s a virtue, a way to prove the nation’s dominance. Parades of tanks, shiny uniforms, and chants about dying for the homeland? That’s fascist aesthetics in action.
4. Propaganda and Cult of Personality
Fascism relies on controlling the narrative. Propaganda becomes the oxygen of the regime, saturating public life with slogans, symbols, and myths that reinforce the leader’s infallibility and the state’s righteousness.
5. Anti-Democracy
Fascists loathe democracy. Why? Because democracy is messy. It allows debate, disagreement, and compromise—concepts that fascists see as weaknesses. In their view, a strong, unified state doesn’t have time for the bickering of elected officials or the whims of voters.
What Fascism Isn’t
Now that we’ve defined what fascism is, let’s get something straight: not every authoritarian jerk or bad policy is fascist. The term has been so overused that it’s lost much of its meaning. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions.
1. Fascism is NOT the Same as Communism
Yes, both fascism and communism are authoritarian in practice, but they couldn’t be more ideologically different. Communism seeks a classless society where wealth is evenly distributed. Fascism, on the other hand, embraces hierarchy and capitalism—albeit controlled capitalism that serves the state. Fascists love order, tradition, and nationalism; communists want to smash all of those things.
2. It’s Not Just “Being Mean”
Someone yelling at you or enforcing rules you don’t like isn’t fascism. Fascism is a full-blown political ideology, not a personality flaw. Your strict teacher or overbearing manager might be annoying, but they’re not planning to abolish democracy and invade Poland.
3. Fascism is Not Conservatism
Conservatives and fascists often get lumped together because both value tradition and authority. However, conservatism doesn’t reject democracy or individual freedoms—it often seeks to preserve them. Fascists, on the other hand, are happy to bulldoze anything standing in the way of their vision for a strong state.
4. It’s Not Just About Intolerance
Fascism is often associated with racism and xenophobia, and for good reason—most fascist regimes have been deeply racist. But intolerance alone isn’t enough to qualify as fascism. A politician who spews hateful rhetoric isn’t necessarily a fascist unless they’re also promoting ultranationalism, authoritarianism, and the dismantling of democracy.
The History of Fascism: Mussolini, Hitler, and Beyond
To understand fascism, we need to look at its roots. The term comes from the Italian word “fascio,” meaning “bundle” or “group.” Benito Mussolini adopted the term to represent strength through unity—symbolized by a bundle of sticks bound together.
Mussolini’s Italy
Mussolini came to power in 1922, promising to restore Italy’s greatness after World War I left the country in economic and political chaos. He dismantled democratic institutions, suppressed dissent, and built a totalitarian state centered on his leadership. The economy was corporatized, with industries grouped into state-controlled syndicates. While Mussolini’s Italy was brutal, it wasn’t as ideologically rigid as its German counterpart.
Hitler’s Germany
Adolf Hitler took fascism to its most infamous extreme with the Nazi Party. While inspired by Mussolini, Hitler’s ideology added a lethal dose of racial superiority. The Nazis blamed Jews, communists, and other minorities for Germany’s problems, using this scapegoating to justify the Holocaust—a systematic genocide that killed six million Jews and millions of others. Hitler’s regime was defined by its militarism, propaganda, and complete disregard for human rights.
Other Fascist Movements
Fascism didn’t die with Hitler and Mussolini. Variants have appeared in Spain under Franco, in Japan during World War II, and in other parts of the world. While each movement has its unique features, they all share the core characteristics of ultranationalism, authoritarianism, and the suppression of individual freedoms.
Why Fascism Appeals to People
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: fascism doesn’t rise out of nowhere. It preys on fear, anger, and uncertainty. When people feel their country is in decline or under threat, they look for strong leaders who promise to restore order and greatness. Fascism offers simple answers to complex problems: “Our nation is great, and anyone standing in its way is the enemy.”
Fascism also appeals to a sense of belonging. It creates an “us versus them” mentality, uniting people around a shared identity while blaming outsiders for their problems. For those who feel powerless or disconnected, this sense of unity can be intoxicating.
How to Spot Fascism Today
While full-blown fascist regimes are rare in the modern world, the warning signs are always worth watching for. Here are some red flags:
- Attacks on Democratic Institutions
If a leader is undermining free elections, silencing the press, or stacking courts, that’s a bad sign. - Ultranationalist Rhetoric
Beware of anyone who claims their nation is inherently superior and must be protected from “enemies.” - Authoritarian Leadership
If power is being centralized and dissent is being crushed, you’re drifting into dangerous territory. - Militarism and Violence
If a government glorifies violence or uses the military to suppress its own citizens, it’s time to pay attention.
While overt fascist regimes are rare today, the tactics and rhetoric of fascism have crept into modern life in subtler, insidious ways—especially online. A particularly dangerous development is how some influencers or public figures decry groups or individuals as “fascists” while using fascist techniques themselves to manipulate, control, and coerce the very people they claim to protect.
This is not just ironic; it’s dangerous. Let’s break it down.
Weaponizing the Label of Fascism
Online influencers—whether political commentators, social media personalities, or activists—often wield the term “fascist” as a weapon to delegitimize their opponents. Sometimes, their targets might genuinely hold extreme or authoritarian views. But more often, this accusation is overblown, slapping the label on anyone who disagrees with their ideology, policies, or tactics. The problem? Crying “fascism” in bad faith doesn’t just undermine the term’s power; it also divides communities and incites mob behavior.
For example:
- Demonization and Dehumanization: The influencer paints the accused as inherently evil or subhuman—“a fascist,” “a Nazi,” “the enemy of progress.” This tactic mirrors the fascist tendency to scapegoat and dehumanize groups to unify their followers.
- Exaggeration for Influence: By framing relatively minor disagreements as existential threats, these figures create fear and urgency. In fascist regimes, this technique was used to justify extreme measures. Online, it serves to rally outrage and clicks.
How Fascist Tactics Are Used to Silence Opponents
The irony is that while these influencers loudly claim to fight fascism, their methods often borrow directly from the authoritarian playbook. Here’s how it happens:
- Cult of Personality
Fascist leaders historically cultivated cults of personality, portraying themselves as saviors or voices of truth. Many online influencers do the same. Their followers hang on their every word, trusting their interpretations of events without question. Disagreeing with these influencers can lead to public shaming or being ostracized, creating an echo chamber where dissent is stifled. - Propaganda and Misinformation
Fascists excelled at propaganda, using controlled messaging to spread their ideology. Today, influencers use selective editing, memes, or out-of-context quotes to craft narratives that support their claims. When they accuse someone of being a fascist, they often manipulate evidence to make it fit the accusation, regardless of the truth. - Intimidation Through Mob Tactics
Once someone is labeled a “fascist” online, the influencer’s followers may launch a campaign of harassment against them. Coordinated doxxing, threats, and mass reporting are common. This mirrors fascist methods of silencing opposition through fear and violence, albeit in a digital form. - “Us vs. Them” Mentality
Fascist regimes thrive on creating enemies to unify their base, often targeting minorities, dissidents, or external foes. Online influencers employ a similar tactic, framing anyone who questions their authority or views as part of a dangerous “other.” This polarizes communities, silencing dialogue and fostering extremism on both sides. - Suppression of Nuance
Fascism loves simplicity: good versus evil, friend versus foe, patriot versus traitor. Online influencers often flatten complex issues into black-and-white narratives to galvanize their audiences. By simplifying and vilifying, they eliminate room for thoughtful debate, much like fascist regimes stifled intellectual diversity.
Why This Matters
The misuse of the term “fascism” by influencers does more than muddy the waters—it creates a chilling effect on free speech and critical thinking. When anyone can be labeled a fascist for holding a differing opinion, people become afraid to speak up. Ironically, this mirrors the authoritarian control fascism seeks to impose.
Even more troubling is the potential for radicalization. When someone is falsely accused of fascism and subsequently harassed or ostracized, they may retreat into extremist communities where they feel protected and understood. This cycle of accusation, harassment, and radicalization fuels division and erodes trust in civil discourse.
How to Stay Vigilant
If you suspect an online influencer is misusing the label of fascism while employing coercive tactics themselves, here’s how to protect yourself and others:
- Question the Evidence
Don’t take accusations at face value. Research the claims, look for context, and seek out multiple perspectives before forming an opinion. Propaganda thrives on unchecked narratives. - Watch for Coercion
If an influencer is demanding absolute loyalty, threatening dissenters, or encouraging mob behavior, they’re not fostering healthy dialogue. These are authoritarian tactics, not democratic ones. - Promote Nuance
Refuse to buy into oversimplified “good versus evil” narratives. Real issues are complex, and understanding them requires more than catchy slogans or soundbites. - Speak Out Against Mob Tactics
If you see someone being unfairly targeted, speak up—especially if the harassment comes from people claiming to fight oppression. Silence enables bullies, whether they’re fascists or faux anti-fascists. - Protect Yourself
If you’re targeted, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to supportive communities, document harassment, and report abusive behavior to platform moderators. Don’t let bullies isolate you.
Why Words Matter
Throwing around the word “fascist” without understanding it does more harm than good. It dilutes the term, making it harder to identify real threats. Fascism is a specific, dangerous ideology with a dark history. Misusing the word doesn’t just undermine meaningful debate—it trivializes the suffering of those who lived under actual fascist regimes.
At the same time, we shouldn’t shy away from calling out fascist tendencies when we see them. Recognizing the signs and understanding the ideology is the first step in preventing history from repeating itself.
The Bottom Line
Fascism is not just a word for “stuff I don’t like.” It’s a political ideology rooted in ultranationalism, authoritarianism, and the suppression of individual freedoms. While the world has largely moved on from the fascist regimes of the 20th century, the conditions that allowed fascism to rise—fear, division, and economic hardship—still exist.
Understanding fascism is about more than just studying history. It’s about staying vigilant and protecting the democratic values that fascism seeks to destroy. So next time someone calls their HOA a bunch of fascists, take a deep breath and maybe send them this article. We owe it to ourselves—and the future—to keep the term grounded in its true meaning.
A Closing Thought
Fascism is a real and dangerous ideology with a specific history and meaning. Misusing the term to attack individuals or groups erodes its power and trivializes the suffering caused by actual fascist regimes. Worse, it allows those who claim to oppose fascism to adopt its tactics under the guise of righteousness.
In the age of social media, staying vigilant about language and tactics is more important than ever. Let’s not let the fight against fascism be hijacked by those who would use its weapons for their own gain.
