Fascism Quote by John T. Flynn
““If you would know, therefore, who are the fascists in America, you must ask yourselves not who are the men and women most vocal in their denunciations of Hitler and Mussolini. The most ardent enemies of those two leaders were some of their rival fascist dictators in Europe. The test of fascism is not one's rage against the Italian and German war lords. The test is—how many of the essential principles of fascism do you accept and to what extent are you prepared to apply those fascist ideas to American social and economic life? When you can put your finger on the men or the groups that urge for America the debt-supported state, thee autarchial corporative state, the state bent on the socialization of investment and the bureaucratic government of industry and society, the establishment of the institution of militarism as the great glamorous public-works project of the nation and the institution of imperialism under which it proposes to regulate and rule the world and, along with this, proposes to alter the forms of our government to approach as closely as possible the unrestrained, absolute government—then you will know you have located the authentic fascist.””
About This Quote
Source Article: The American Mercury, 1935
Fascism can be identified by its core principles, not by overt hostility toward foreign dictators.
In simple terms: Look for fascist ideas in domestic policies.
Key Takeaway
Recognize subtle fascist tendencies.
Themes
politics
ideology
warning
Mood
cautionary
analytical
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- voting
- policy analysis
- media literacy
- community activism
- academic study
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
economic control
militarism
imperialism
state power
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies reflect fascist principles today?
- How do we differentiate patriotism from authoritarianism?
A Different Perspective
People may resist labeling familiar institutions as fascist.
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