Language

Friendly fascism!

I think you have pegged it! I had that initial reaction to the discussion - if they don't need it, don't they already have it? And I think the critical point you've raised is that over-analysis of the situation blunts the urgency. Maybe academically it's not fascism, and maybe the word is overused and wrongly used, but it remains the best word for pointing people to what's happening.

It would be easier to combat overt repression - it's this subtle "manufactured consent" that's a real challenge. The other aspect of this that's not addressed here is the authoritarian personality at both ends of the power equation. These people want give up their freedom to some "stern father" figure. So how do we address it? I think we have to talk to the people who are falling for it and not just talk among ourselves...

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