In the heated political landscape of the 2024 US presidential election, a familiar label has resurfaced with renewed intensity: fascist. As Donald Trump’s opponents scramble to prevent his potential return to the White House, they’re increasingly wielding the “f-word” as their ultimate rhetorical weapon. But has the term “fascist” lost its impact through decades of overuse and hyperbole?
The Fascist Label’s Journey
The word “fascist” has a long and complex history, originating with Mussolini’s authoritarian regime in early 20th century Italy. Over time, it evolved into a catch-all insult, hurled at anyone perceived as oppressive or intolerant. As one commentator notes, “There was something satisfying about the word ‘fascist’, which was, back then, the apex, the very fanciest of insults.”
However, this overuse has led to a dilution of the term’s impact. “Among adults, ‘fascist’ tends to be used in a lightly ironised form, often in the context of a customer service dispute or fight with petty officialdom,” observes the same commentator. “Analogising the man at T-Mobile with the Nazis delivers some of the old sniggering satisfaction.”
Trump and the F-Word
Enter Donald Trump. As the 2024 election approaches, there’s a concerted effort among his opponents to brand him with the fascist label. From Kamala Harris quoting a general calling Trump “fascist to the core” to comparisons to Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini in the Atlantic, the accusations are flying fast and furious.
Even Trump’s former chief of staff, John Kelly, has gotten in on the action, reading out the dictionary definition of fascism and confirming that, in his view, Trump fits the bill. It’s a stark escalation from the “semi-fascism” label Joe Biden cautiously applied in 2022.
Fascist Accusations Fly Both Ways
Trump’s allies have responded by trying to turn the tables, suggesting it’s the Democrats who are the real fascists. The Wall Street Journal editorial board posed the question: “Are tens of millions of Americans really falling for a fascist takeover?” before arguing that it’s the Democrats who have broken “all sorts of political norms” to defeat Trump.
This tit-for-tat exchange highlights the risk of the fascist label losing its meaning altogether. As one observer puts it, “See? I’m not a fascist, you’re a fascist. Fascist fascist fascist. And just like that, the meaning went up in smoke.”
The Danger of Crying Wolf
The danger, of course, is that by overusing and misapplying the term “fascist,” we risk missing the genuine warning signs of authoritarianism. If everyone is a fascist, then no one is. And that plays directly into the hands of those who would undermine democracy.
The flippancy and babyishness of how we use ‘fascist’ is making it hard, if not impossible, to recharge its meaning.
– Emma Brockes, Guardian columnist
As the 2024 campaign heats up, it’s crucial that we use the language of fascism judiciously and accurately. Overuse and hyperbole only serve to numb the public to the very real threats facing our democratic institutions. We must find a way to call out authoritarian tendencies without crying wolf.
Navigating the Fascist Minefield
So how do we thread this needle? How can Trump’s opponents make their case without falling into the trap of fascist hyperbole? A few key strategies:
- Focus on specific actions and statements, rather than broad labels
- Provide historical context and clear definitions of fascism
- Avoid flippant or ironic usage that dilutes the term’s impact
- Call out authoritarian tendencies across the political spectrum
By using the fascist label sparingly and precisely, we can preserve its power as a warning against the erosion of democracy. Trump’s opponents have every right to call out his authoritarian rhetoric and actions. But they must do so in a way that enlightens rather than inflames, that persuades rather than polarizes.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. In an era of rising populism and declining faith in institutions, the words we use to describe our political leaders matter more than ever. Let’s wield them wisely.
