About America

[Aquilo]

I just read the following definition about Fascism. Quite a few similarities with current American state. At least from my perspective.

I'd like someone to clarify how the "Leader of the Free World" (as a nation) can be so much related to such horrible system of Goverment.

"Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology (generally tied to a mass movement) that considers the individual subordinate to the interests of the state, party or society as a whole. Fascists seek to forge a type of national unity, usually based on (but not limited to) ethnic, cultural, racial, and/or religious attributes. Various scholars attribute different characteristics to fascism, but the following elements are usually seen as its integral parts: patriotism, nationalism, statism, militarism, totalitarianism, anti-communism, corporatism, populism, collectivism, autocracy and opposition to political and economic liberalism"

ps. Sorry for possible misspells in my writing. Not a native English speaker.

[s.rwitt]

[bushbush]

this is the best April fool's joke so far in TWC.

[Aquilo]

[bushbush]

you do realize that unlike in Nazi Germany, Bush will have to step down in 08 election and those who are against Bush won't be sent to a concentration camp.

[Aquilo]

you do realize that unlike in Nazi Germany, Bush will have to step down in 08 election and those who are against Bush won't be sent to a concentration camp.

I do realize that. And this isn't a "Lets mock America a bit" thread. I found a definition of Fascism and thought there are some amusing similarities.

And to clarify a bit. I'm not comparing America to Totalitaristic goverments. As i said. Just pointing out the similarities. Personally I'm not too familiar with the States, and this is pretty much the image I've got from the media.

[Pontifex Maximus]

I do realize that. And this isn't a "Lets mock America a bit" thread.

I can't wait to see what it ends up being. ( my guess is a "Lets mock America A bit" thread)

[bushbush]

I do realize that. And this isn't a "Lets mock America a bit" thread. I found a definition of Fascism and thought there are some amusing similarities.

And to clarify a bit. I'm not comparing America to Totalitaristic goverments. As i said. Just pointing out the similarities. Personally I'm not too familiar with the States, and this is pretty much the image I've got from the media.

well, i got your point. Those ideologies do exist in America..but they are within the frame of democracy and had to compete with other ideologies in the "market" of ideas.

In Naiz Germany, however, those ideologies like racial superiority and militarism and nationalism DOMINATE the whole country, no other ideology can compete with them.

[CDMan477]

And to clarify a bit. I'm not comparing America to Totalitaristic goverments. As i said. Just pointing out the similarities. Personally I'm not too familiar with the States, and this is pretty much the image I've got from the media.

How can one point out similarities between two things and yet not be comparing them in a larger context? Regardless, as someone who isn't too familiar with the Middle East outside of the general knowledge most have of the area. I see almost daily media images of terrorist activity, large groups coming together to protest the "west" and burn their flags. A system that discriminates against women and minorities including both race and religion. From this I can either assume the Middle East is quite the barbaric society, or take into account that these are indeed snap shots that may only portray certain sides to any story.

Was this thread meant to honestly lead to a sincere dialog on the "similarities" between America and fascism or in your own words a

"Lets mock America a bit" thread.

[MyNameIsGreat]

I do realize that. And this isn't a "Lets mock America a bit" thread. I found a definition of Fascism and thought there are some amusing similarities.

And to clarify a bit. I'm not comparing America to Totalitaristic goverments. As i said. Just pointing out the similarities. Personally I'm not too familiar with the States, and this is pretty much the image I've got from the media.

Then don't talk about America if all you know is from the media.

Can we get a lock here, please?

[Holger Danske]

a bushcamp...

[Pontifex Maximus]

Aquilo...no.

[Aquilo]

whoa. So many replies so fast.
And I do apologise if I've offended someone.

[danzig]

Sorry but you are cherry picking aspects of the fascism definition and trying to use them as evidence? Name one country regardless of system that doesnt try and forge national unity. If a country doesnt share a basic common belief in the way the country is run then its not going to remain a country very long. The key is whether a country forces a specific aspect, cultural, religious etc and seek to punish those that dont fit in...this is clearly not the case in the US. Of course at 4 posts you could be pulling an April fools thing

In Naiz Germany, however, those ideologies like racial superiority and militarism and nationalism DOMINATE the whole country, no other ideology can compete with them.

Exactly and this is true of all western democracies in that a certain thought or belief (such as say patriotism) isnt allowed to dominate and seek retribution against those that dont believe in it.

And to clarify a bit. I'm not comparing America to Totalitaristic goverments. As i said. Just pointing out the similarities. Personally I'm not too familiar with the States, and this is pretty much the image I've got from the media.

Curious question if you arent by your own admission familiar with the US then why would even attempt to make such a connection? I mean the claim is pretty bold and one would think some basic knowledge would be necessary to come up with that conclusion

[s.rwitt]

Of course at 4 posts you could be pulling an April fools thing

But his join date was the 13th :hmmm:

A "sleeper" perhaps?

[Giorgos]

Meh, no. If for no other reason than for the fact that America is made up of immigrants from all over the world, so how can it achieve "unity, usually based on (but not limited to) ethnic, cultural, racial, and/or religious attributes"?

[Aquilo]

Meh, no. If for no other reason than for the fact that America is made up of immigrants from all over the world, so how can it achieve "unity, usually based on (but not limited to) ethnic, cultural, racial, and/or religious attributes"?

Can also be unity through other defining attributes.

[Aquilo]

@danzig
Again. I'm not saying that the States has a Fascist system of Government. So I'm not trying to bring my "cherrypickings" as evidence. Since I'm not claiming anything.

Just found a definition of Fascism and found some amusing similarities.

[danzig]

@danzig
Again. I'm not saying that the States has a Fascist system of Government. So I'm not trying to bring my "cherrypickings" as evidence. Since I'm not claiming anything.

Just found a definition of Fascism and found some amusing similarities.

Yes but the similarities you highlighted exist in every country on the planet....so why the US?

[Aquilo]

First country that came in to my mind. I'm working now (1:45AM). Good way to pass some time.