The rise of fascism.

[David3K]

I dont even live in UK but I talk to british tourists and many complain about the same thing. I'm not saying they're right but I kinda get where they're coming from.

[Genersis]

Eh, to be fair, UKIP isn't economically centralist enough to be considered fascist.

[HumbleTangerine]

Fascism, nationalism and, as a response, extreme left-wingers too. There doesn't really seem to be any place left for conventional, non-extreme politics anymore, at least not where I come from.

[cftxp]

Fascism, nationalism and, as a response, extreme left-wingers too. There doesn't really seem to be any place left for conventional, non-extreme politics anymore, at least not where I come from.

I'm pretty sure that's due to the psychological response called "fight or flight" which, at its basis, states that in order for an individual/group to keep the status quo (self-preservation) they will either act or stand down. Those of the right-wing seek the "fight" response as they view "non-traditional" values like the integration of individuals of different ethnicities, women, LGBT, etc.... as equal members of society a threat to the patriarchal structure they've been accustomed to in earlier times when a "flight" response was taken by oppressed groups for the purpose of their own self-preservation.

So many changes are occurring almost simultaneously in many nations that some push-back towards these dynamics are inevitable before actual changes happen. Of course, there are individuals/groups who want these changes to happen RIGHT NOW so you will get far-left ideologies who aim to do this in response. Here in the United States, that's the Republican/Democrat divide (despite the several other partisan ideologies that neither of the main parties encompass) and while both advertise themselves as "centrist", the polarization is clear - though it is to be noted that activism has always played a huge role in redefining the zeitgeist here in America so strong political views will always play a role in society. Though I do lean way far to the left on many issues, even I will agree that society will benefit greatly if there is a strong centrist ideology present in order for arguments from all sides to be heard equally but you know, that may just be midnight idealism talking.

[Cuddly]

I noticed some frightening numbers from the poll results for the recent election for the EU. Fortunately, the results that worried me were only half true. The bigot party from Germany that got enough votes to join in, didn't actually get more votes than normally, Germany had just lowered the threshold for obtaining mandates. Or so I was told.

In Denmark we aren't so lucky, the racist party is growing every year, getting more votes than ever. It scares the fuck out of me how so many people can hate so many people for no reason.

[LONDONER]

How I like it to is a virus. This is how it started in Germany in the 1930s.

You said it succintly. Hitler started off making populist promises just as Nigel Farage has done. Yes, is scares me.

[Cuddly]

You said it succintly. Hitler started off making populist promises just as Nigel farage has done. Yes, is scares me.

Isn't that politicians in a nutshell? Saying whatever they think the voters want to hear. You're right ofcourse, but don't they all do that? Like.. all the time?

[HumbleTangerine]

I'm pretty sure that's due to the psychological response called "fight or flight" which, at its basis, states that in order for an individual/group to keep the status quo (self-preservation) they will either act or stand down. Those of the right-wing seek the "fight" response as they view "non-traditional" values like the integration of individuals of different ethnicities, women, LGBT, etc.... as equal members of society a threat to the patriarchal structure they've been accustomed to in earlier times when a "flight" response was taken by oppressed groups for the purpose of their own self-preservation.

So many changes are occurring almost simultaneously in many nations that some push-back towards these dynamics are inevitable before actual changes happen. Of course, there are individuals/groups who want these changes to happen RIGHT NOW so you will get far-left ideologies who aim to do this in response. Here in the United States, that's the Republican/Democrat divide (despite the several other partisan ideologies that neither of the main parties encompass) and while both advertise themselves as "centrist", the polarization is clear - though it is to be noted that activism has always played a huge role in redefining the zeitgeist here in America so strong political views will always play a role in society. Though I do lean way far to the left on many issues, even I will agree that society will benefit greatly if there is a strong centrist ideology present in order for arguments from all sides to be heard equally but you know, that may just be midnight idealism talking.

I just disagree with the notion that fascist/nationalist extremism needs to be battled with left-wing extremism, which many people over here seem to think. Some voters will always be perpetually too ignorant to be persuaded by reason, but most people can be set on the right path once the right information is presented in the right way.

Science and reason can debunk prejudiced myths about ethnicity, gender and sexuality, and if the radical left in my country spent less time attacking political parties and stabbing nazis to death, and more time spreading information and a message of serenity I think we'd be on our way towards a better society.

There seems to be this strange preconception that since fascism is usually perceived as a right-wing ideology (even if the reality is more ambiguous), only left-wing ideologies can work as antidotes. As a result, left-wing radicals aim their contempt and violence at not only fascists and nationalists, but also liberals and conservatives, due to their right-wing associations. Many people, myself included, are starting to feel this sense of complete political alienation since there are two opposing sides that usually condemn everyone in-between.

[dudewithabeard]

You aren't alone. The prediction is the Republicans will keep the House and may take the Senate and (gasp)..the Presidency. The Supreme Court has basically assured the top 10% can buy future elections and gerrymandering has taken care of the rest of it.

The Faux News station won their right to lie in court...it is a propaganda machine. People should be a lot more scared than they are.

They may get the Senate, but it is highly unlikely that they will ever get the Presidency back. California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania are all solid blue states. Florida, soon to be the 3rd largest state is well on the way to turning blue in nationwide elections. Even in Texas the demographics are changing quite rapidly that it will soon be near a purple state. The only reason that the Senate is in play is because of the timing of certain races. The House may be lost forever unless more lawsuits are brought against state republican parties like the ones in Florida and Virginia.

[dudewithabeard]

Interestingly, I consider myself pretty politically up to date but I had not heard of the lawsuit in Florida until I was researching for that post.. Kudos to those who are standing up to the Republicans in my state.