- cross-posted to:
- news@lemmy.world
- cross-posted to:
- news@lemmy.world
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OP’s article is a break down of this article: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-politics-violence/
I’m really glad they posted this, the Reuter’s article is harder to understand. My takeaway from OP’s article is this:
The incidents involve violence emanating from across the political spectrum, including dozens of cases of substantial property damage by leftists at political demonstrations. But of the 22 fatal incidents among the total tally, involving the deaths of 44 victims and 11 attackers, most were attributed to assailants, like Aldrich, who expressed beliefs associated with the extreme right, Reuters found.
In 15 of those attacks, in which 38 victims and seven attackers died, the perpetrator had articulated far-right beliefs, many of them targeting racial, sexual or other minorities. Only one fatal incident – the 2022 stabbing of a journalist by a public administrator in Nevada – was carried out by an assailant clearly identified with the left.
It’s a good thing that we in the US defend free speech for Nazis so that their ideas can be spread through various online platforms. If we didnt protect their free speech then they might restrict ours when they gain power. Now we can be assured that won’t happen.
I know that this is a phenomenon larger than just the US.
Are countries with anti-hate speech laws experiencing the same degree of increase in support of political violence and the advancement of far right parties? I know that we’re seeing this all over, but to what degree are anti-hate laws able to contain it?
… advancement of far right parties
I’m pretty sure that Germany, France, and the UK are grappling with that right now.
But to what degree? The question wasn’t, “is the US alone on the march toward fascism?” it was, “Is the US unique in where it is on the march toward fascism?”
German here.
While we have real problems with the far right gaining ground in Germany I would argue that it is by no means comparable to the situation the US currently finds itself in.
I mean, the USA is literally one year away from the real possibility of full blown fascism while the fascists in Germany get 21-22% in polls and currently have no chance to successfully overthrow democracy.
So yes, I would argue that the USA is a couple of steps further than Germany along the way to fascism.
Ah see, someone with actual experience, and surprise surprise, it differs from the assumptions of the dumbass American assuming things.
The question … was [] “Is the US unique in where it is on the march toward fascism?”
It was not. The question was:
Are countries with anti-hate speech laws experiencing the same degree of increase in support of political violence and the advancement of far right parties?
It’s a combination question, and I do not have enough insight to respond to “the same degree of increase in support of political violence.” I responded to (as I quoted) “the advancement of far right parties.”
France has the Rassemblement National, with Marine Le Pen. Germany has Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). The UK is all over the place; the ones I’ve heard of are BNP and UKIP.
The fact that I, a far-away American, have even heard of these people and organizations suggests that they are widespread enough to reach my awareness.
Oh, so NOW you answer the question originally asked. and with … subjective experience not from the countries asked about. Sad.
Typical American, thinking you can confidantly speak about something you admittedly have little to no experience in.
I’m pretty sure that Germany, France, and the UK are grappling with that right now.
I qualified my original statement appropriately. Based on your previous misstatement of what “the [OP] question was,” I am not surprised that you missed that.
If you’re spoiling for a fight, you can find it elsewhere.
You qualified your statement by admitting it wasn’t actually answering the question… Don’t answer a question you don’t know the answer to.
Nearly every act of domestic terrorism ever committed in the U.S. has been committed by conservatives. Conservatism is a plague of violence long overdue for a cure.
New breed? No, same old fascists.
Umberto Eco’s traits of Ur-fascism:
- Cult of “tradition” (such as pining for “good old days” that may or may not have ever existed).
- Irrational rejection of modernism: progress is depravity.
- Action must be taken without thought or consideration. Thought and consideration are symptoms of modernism and depravity.
- Nuance does not exist and should be disregarded. Questioning the cause is treason.
- Foster “fear of difference”, identify an out-group and craft a narrative that makes them an enemy. Racism, sexism, bigotry, etc are nurtured.
- Harness and redirect the frustrations of a large social class; particularly those suffering from an economic crisis or political humiliation. Feed those frustrations and keep them stoked.
7a. For those that feel deprived of a “social identity”, create one by bolstering nationalism and xenophobia.
7b. Obsession with a plot (conspiracy theories). The out-groups (see #5) are out to get you! - The enemies are simultaneously too strong, but also too weak. Too strong, because that makes them a threat, too weak because it emboldens the followers by convincing them this overwhelming threat can be overcome.
- Life is a struggle and peace/tolerance is supporting the enemy (see #3 for the flip-side of this).
10a. Members of the movement are always “good people” no matter their actions. Being a part of the group is all that is required.
10b. Contempt for the weak. They deserve to be subjugated.
10c. Power must be seized forcefully, not entrusted to democratic processes. - Adherents must die “heroic” deaths, fighting for their cause.
12a. Embrace toxic masculinity (conformity, sexism, bigotry).
12b. Embrace the fetishization of weapons. - “The People” is twisted to include only selective populism. In other words, only the opinions of a select in-group count as valid. You may have heard the term “silent majority” used in this context. This is how fascist leaders justify their actions.
- The utilization of Newspeak. E.G. dog whistles, branding (“wokism”), deflection (“just asking questions”), etc.
Well, would you look at that. These terrorists check literally every box for the definitive definition of fascism. Call them what they are.
