I was thinking that another exception would be those who open their eyes and leave it behind, but then they are no longer fascists. So you could say their old fascist self is essentially dead too.

So while I do prefer this method as some ex-fascists may turn into anti-fascist advocates, and we can always use more help against fascism, it still doesn't really counter the adage.

That's step two or three, for sure. But the point being made is fascist isn't a word that can be applied to anyone and everyone (setting aside the 2¢ insult version) - it is a specific political ideology that one earns by their words and actions.

Unfortunately it is also complex to diagnose, particularly in early stages, especially as intelligent budding fascists will deliberately evade the formal definitions while still finding ways to accomplish similar effects.

But yes - there's also cases where fascists clearly and obviously are doing fascist things, and need to be stopped immediately, please feel free to give them a proper knuckle sandwich (or an appropriate grade of violence as the situation warrants)

We sit at the feet of Warmbo, he shall bless us with his corn cream...

This was a very good episode.

They're not literally gassing people, so they can't be nazis. It's only after the fact we get to ask who could have seen this coming.

You know, like they practice with school shootings every day. Desensitization is a big part.

A dead giveaway is when they start throwing around the word ‘nuance.’

It must be in the script they’re all taught, because every closet fascist or astroturfer loves defending fascist policies and actions with “nuance.”

Just be more careful than Santa. He only checks his list twice cause the worst punishment he gives is a lump of coal. The guillotine is a lot more absolute in its punishment.

THIS. I don't install social networking apps on my phone (except for Voyager, somewhat recently, if that counts). I tend to find these conversations somewhat hard to follow, because it seems like different people use different versions of the same word... Or maybe the definitions evolve too quickly for those who don't follow it very closely. Idk, I haven't really narrowed it down yet.

But yeah... I honestly don't really know how to identify a fascist. I think it has something to do with right-wing authoritarianism, but I'm not sure I've personally met any right-wing authoritarians, so I'm probably missing something.

And yes, I have attempted to look it up. The results were not very helpful. I assume it's similar to looking up what Nazis were – quite different from how people use the word now.

Thank you for understanding "normal people." 🙈