Author: Jason Stanley
Stanley discusses the basic components of fascism and how it gains control. The use of mythic tales of the past, dehumanizing portions of the population, propaganda, conspiracy theories and fake news to manipulate citizens, creating a state of control that creeps up quietly. I do agree whole heartedly that Americans and others around the world should be very concerned at the tendency of modern politics to descend into lies, manipulation and tricks. BUT, I disagree firmly when it is implied that this is a conservative tactic not used by the more liberal minded or intellectual side of the political arena. That is just simply not true. In America at the moment, I see both sides using all facets assigned to fascism to gain control of segments of the population in order to further their political agendas. The right uses Christianity and fear of failing morality, fear of immigrants, terrorism and other modern issues to fear monger their political views into voters minds. And, the left uses fear of patriarchy, the threat of Christian domination of the non-religious or other minded, and tales of Nazis, fascism and other past threats to further their own views. It's a shit show from both sides. And a very deeply divisive and destructive one.
The best way to overtake a nation is to divide, manipulate and conquer. Both extremes in the American political arena are attempting to do this. The end result is NOTHING is ever accomplished. No matter which side is the victor in any election, they spend all their time un-doing the work of past administrations, changing things to ensure their re-election or keeping the seats/positions their party currently controls and keeping the general population riled up. How is this in any way a healthy, productive or democratic situation?? Party politics has become a fascist tool. And both sides are pointing fingers at the other screaming terms like fascism, socialism, communism....so many isms. When in the end, both sides are completely guilty of fucking over the very people they are elected to represent and care about.
I enjoyed the basic information this book presented. But using it to further a left slant political agenda just poisoned the entire effect this book might have had for me. I expected a neutral presentation of facts.....and ended up disappointed at just another thinly veiled bout of Trump bashing. Is Trump a great president? No. Has he been effective? No. And, the entire political environment in the United States currently is frankly an embarrassment IMHO. An international shit show. BUT.....both political parties in the United States are to blame for weakening our political process for their own ends. I could rant about it....but this is a book review and I'm going to keep my comments on the book at hand.
Great basic information on fascism.....but I did not like the political agenda that was woven in with the facts. I would have liked a longer book that included basic history on some of the fascist regimes that have existed in history, plus more details on why those regimes ultimately failed and what political environment replaced them. In the end, this book touched on basics and used them to support the author's political views. More of an editorialized spewing of knowledge than a non-fiction non-biased sharing of information about a dangerous political situation.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Random House via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. PLEASE VOTE -- your voice does matter!!!!!**
No comments:
Post a Comment