How Fascism Came" by Chris Hedges. Key Points.

Key Points: "How Fascism Came" by Chris Hedges

1. Warnings of Decline

Chris Hedges, along with intellectuals like Noam Chomsky and Sheldon Wolin, warned for decades about rising inequality, eroding democratic institutions, and the threat of authoritarianism in the U.S.

2. Roots of Fascism

Social and economic despair—marked by stagnant wages, deindustrialization, and the loss of community—fueled the rise of fascist tendencies.

Disillusionment and betrayal by the ruling class left many susceptible to demagogues promising quick fixes and miracles.

3. Trump as a Symptom, Not the Cause

Donald Trump signifies the collapse of democratic pretense, not the origin of fascism.

Decades of deindustrialization, deregulation, corporate power, and systemic inequality paved the way for authoritarianism.

4. Inverted Totalitarianism

Philosopher Sheldon Wolin’s concept: governance under corporate oligarchy masked by democratic symbolism. This has now shifted to overt authoritarianism under demagogues.

5. Two-Tiered Legal System

Ordinary citizens face harsh penalties for minor infractions, while corporations and the wealthy escape accountability for massive crimes.

6. Failure of Neoliberalism

Neoliberal capitalism concentrated wealth among elites, stripping labor rights and hollowing out democracy, despite promises of economic and democratic progress.

7. The Permanent Lie

Truth has become irrelevant in political discourse, replaced by ideologically driven narratives. Courts and institutions increasingly serve corporate and Christian fundamentalist ideologies.

8. Culture of Illusion and Self-Obsession

Society prioritizes superficial charm, wealth, and fame over morality and communal well-being. Politics mirrors the theatrical spectacle of professional wrestling.

9. Decline of Democratic Ideals

The middle class is eroding, poverty is chronic, and prisons are overcrowded. Cities once powered by industry are now wastelands.

10. The End of Democracy

Tools for repressing dissent are entrenched, leaving the population distracted by celebrity gossip and trivial entertainment amidst societal collapse.

11. Conclusion

The descent into fascism reflects moral and social decay. Hedges warns that a complete police state could be established with ease.

Source:

https://chrishedges.substack.com/

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