There is no real problem with simply viewing Trump in the American context, in which he's a massive outlier, but there is evidently a difficulty in doing so when the words used have a meaning informed by global context. You cannot meaningfully label anything in American politics as 'fascist' without some recognition of that global context (which is where the term exists), and once you've moved into that global context, American exceptionalism presents analytical difficulties, or betrays a certain ignorance of the global context that is being implicitly referenced.
I certainly agree that the word 'fascist' can be used in relation to a lot of what Trump is doing or states that he plans to do. But my problem is with the lack of nuance that is used in applying the term. Really it's a matter of tactics. If, because Trump's general approach to the media is strongly redolent of fascism, you label every possible encroachment on press freedom as being fascist, then it becomes easy for your opponent to say, "but this is a measure that exists in western democracies X, Y & Z", which is true, and which thereby undermines the force of your attack and leaves you open to accusations of hysteria. Applying the term 'fascism' in a more nuanced and globally aware manner, doesn't leave you open to such easy rebuttals, and makes your argument stronger.
While I understand where you are coming from, Trump has a deep disrespect for western democratic traditions. Right-wing authoritarism is often conflated with fascism and I truly believe that that is what Trump is.
Besides, it makes more sense than calling Trump a Nazi. Don't get me wrong, both Trump and Nazis are abborrent, but calling Trump a Nazi is like call Stalin a Nazi. Perhaps in fifty years we will refer to Trump and his alt-right friends as "Trumpism". Yuck.
KmDubya said: ↑
Personally I think if you are on welfare you should not get a vote. When you are capable of taking care of yourself then you can have a say in how things are run, till then shut up and be thankful.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.