History tells us something very simple: states run by people with such extreme political beliefs that can genuinely call them fascists, people who believe that they are superior by virtue of blood, follow a universal ten step pattern. Let me outline it:
- Authoritarian government
- Demonization of minorities
- Glorification of the majority
- Media intimidation
- Purges and putsches
- Segregation (laws designed to separate minorities from majorities)
- Expropriation (the legal seizure of the assets of minorities)
- Detainments, repression, internment
- Ghettos
- Ethnic cleansing
How far are we along that path?
We are already halfway along the pathway of fascism. And it is only week one. No. That isn’t exact. You can dispute and disagree how far along we really are. What I think is indisputable is this: fascism follows a universal pattern. The pattern is always the
same. It has been the same in Bosnia, Rwanda, Germany, Argentina, to name just a few. Why would it be different for
us?
Now let us answer the question: “what happens next?”, because those steps
aren’t what happens next.
What happens next is
you deny all the above. Fascism is always the same. But you think: “it can’t happen here”. “It won’t get that bad”. “That is just a fantasy”. And that is exactly how it
does. Don’t you think that is exactly what the Germans, Bosnian, Rwandans, Argentinians thought? You deny all the above — and that is why you are constantly thinking, every single day: “why, this is happening faster and harder than I thought!”. Why you always seem to be taken by surprise, left aghast, shocked, confused.
Fascism counts on you. Not on your support. But on your denial.