Chapter 1: The Language of Power

Why do those with the most reprehensible ideologies twist language to fit their agendas? In a striking conversation, Hitler asserted his self-identification as a National Socialist, claiming that true socialism is about the collective good. He argued that the term had been misappropriated by Marxists, vowing to reclaim socialism for his cause.

Fascism, fundamentally, lacks the ability to innovate. It is anchored in an idealized past that can never be revived, rejecting modernity and yearning for an impossible return to bygone days. Consequently, it cannot contribute anything meaningful to the culture it professes to cherish. Essentially, fascism embodies a void of values, with each adherent primarily worshiping their own ego.

Fascists often engage in a relentless search for potent symbols and language to co-opt for their own narratives. In today’s world, we witness numerous instances of these ideologues seizing the terminology of marginalized groups to fortify their own agendas. For instance, both the conflict in Ukraine and the violence in Gaza have been framed as battles against 'Nazis.'

It is alarming how some factions manipulate the historical weight of the Holocaust, evoking it to justify contemporary acts of violence. As we navigate 2024, we still see individuals fighting and dying under the banner of defeating 'Nazism.'

What drives this misuse of language? It is essential to analyze the relationship between language, trauma, and predation. The rise of the 'Me Too' movement highlighted the importance of naming acts of sexual violence, but it also led to opportunists who recognized the potential to wield such language as a weapon against their adversaries. To fascists, the trauma experienced by victims holds no intrinsic value; instead, they view accusations as sources of power, capable of destroying lives.

This dynamic is evident in the fervent cries of 'what about false accusations?' that accompany legitimate pleas for justice. Fascists perceive every claim of abuse as a maneuver to seize power. They adapt the language of their victims, transforming it into a tool for further oppression.

Section 1.1: The Misappropriation of Victimhood

Fascists have little regard for the actual lives of individuals. The notion of a woman seeking recognition as a person is futile when her humanity is dismissed. In their eyes, the demand for fair treatment is met with derision.

The language surrounding vulnerable populations, particularly children, is similarly manipulated. Terms like 'groomer' have been redefined to target those deemed enemies, while fascists feign protection over the very groups they seek to harm.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Power in Language

Chapter 2: The Intersection of Empire and Fascism

Fascism thrives on the existence of other fascists, reinforcing its ideology through a dichotomy of 'us versus them.' Netanyahu’s actions, especially following the events of October 7th, illustrate the troubling convergence of fascist ambitions. The outcomes of elections in the U.S. become mere pawns in his strategy for expansion.

To fascists, peace is the ultimate threat, revealing their true nature. As Israel and Russia wage wars against civilian populations, they frame their actions as battles against 'Nazis,' diluting the meaning of the term to suit their purposes.

Ultimately, these predators manipulate language to strip their victims of agency, forcing them to seek new ways to articulate their experiences. The co-opting of serious issues, such as antisemitism, by certain factions has made marginalized communities less secure. It is crucial to recognize this pattern and adapt our language to resist such predation.

Understanding that fascists lack creativity and instead claim language solely for power is vital. The persecution complex displayed by various factions is a reflexive response, aimed at reclaiming authority from those they seek to oppress. Identifying this behavior is critical to countering its insidious effects.