This blog is going to be relatively short. It’s not because I ran out of time, but because I’m not an intellectual where I can go on and on to try and make you think I’m smart. What this little exercise did for me is confirm that I made a great choice about not taking philosophy classes in college.
But I’m going to take a stab at this because I think it’s important we understand the difference between various radical political ideas which even today, pop up in the media (including social), our discussions, and how we view the world and its leaders. Please keep in mind, these are political and not economic systems which frequently creep into our “discussions.”
Did You Know?
Did you know or even remember my blog post from 29 September 2018? Its title was Paris Therapy Pets. If you remember it, great but if not, you might want to click here and read it. Why? Because I have an update. France Magazine (December 2018; Issue 243) reports that another animal rights group is setting out to protect the Parisian rats. Paris Animaux Zoopolis is plastering Métro walls with signs imploring people to “stop the massacre of rats.” Naturally, they use pictures of cute rats (unlike the images I used in my blog). I’m sure these folks are excited about the upcoming 2020 Chinese New Year. It will be the “Year of the Rat.”
I have run into so many authors who use these terms almost interchangeably that I decided to try and distinguish them from one another ⏤ in other words, I was confused. I find that in much of today’s traditional media and social media that people tend to use these terms on a “fast and loose” basis depending on their political slant (both right and left). Trust me, sometimes it is difficult to differentiate (at least for me). One thing I must point out is that the intellectuals who spend entire days, months, years, and even careers dissecting these issues, often are at odds with one another. There are the generational issues, the revisionist issues, and the philosophical issues which influence one’s take on how the terms are differentiated and applied to certain countries. I thought the best place to begin would be with the facts and then you can make up your own mind. We’ll start and end with the Merriam-Webster definitions.
- Fascism
A political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition. It is intolerant of any other political views or parties. First known use of this term was 1921.
As most of us know, the most recognized form of fascism was crafted by Mussolini’s Italy and perfected by Hitler and his Nazi party in the 1930s. However, there were many fascist governments around the world at that time (primarily countries which aligned themselves with Germany ⏤Croatia is a good example). Spain and Portugal’s fascist regimes didn’t fall until the 1970s.
One of the common attributes of fascist governments is to identify groups of people (based on religion, sexual orientation, or race) to blame for the country’s problems. The most horrendous example of this was the Nazi treatment of Jews between 1933 and 1945.
- Totalitarianism
Centralized control by an autocratic authority; the political concept that the citizen should be totally subject to an absolute state authority. First know use of this term was 1926.
Synonyms: absolutism, authoritarianism, autocracy, czarism, despotism, dictatorship, tyranny.
The best examples of a totalitarian government would be the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, China led by Mao Zedong, and the modern-day North Korean government. Certainly, Hitler and the other fascists shared many attributes of totalitarianism. Totalitarian governments control all facets of their country including media, propaganda, education, economic, science, private lives of its citizens, social, and cultural. In other words, the government (typically a dictator) has unlimited powers and there are no checks and balances. According to Hannah Arendt, all totalitarian governments utilize secret police to ensure people are kept in line or to punish political opponents or perceived enemies of the regime.
- Authoritarianism
Of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority; of, relating to, or favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people.
Synonyms: austere, flinty, hard, harsh, heavy-handed, ramrod, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict, tough. First known use of this term was 1861.
The primary difference between authoritarian and totalitarian governments is that the power of authoritarian regimes is primarily political whereas totalitarian governments control everything. In 2018, The Economist Intelligence Unit came up with its top thirty authoritarian governments. Scoring criteria was based on civil liberties, electoral process, functioning of government, political participation, and political culture. Examples included Vietnam (28th), United Arab Emirates (21st), Iran (18th), Saudi Arabia (8th), Syria (2nd), and North Korea (1st). In my opinion, North Korea is probably more totalitarian.
Sandy and I recently returned from visiting six countries in Southeast Asia. We started and ended in Singapore. We really liked Singapore and learned quite a bit during our two-day private guide-led walk. It was clear that Singapore is an authoritarian-run country. For me, it is the only authoritarian government that I know of that actually works with the primary goal of enriching the lives of their citizens. That is what impressed us the most (besides being the cleanest city we’ve ever been in).
So, one of the things I’ve walked away with after writing this blog is that governments can’t be exclusively pigeon-holed into one or another of these three types of political philosophies. That includes other forms of government (including ours) which I haven’t mentioned. While they might fit comfortably into a particular silo, pieces of other political philosophies creep into the equation.
I hope this helps you so the next time someone calls another person a “Fascist,” you can distinguish whether the slur fits the situation or not.
Recommended Reading and Viewing
Arendt, Hannah. The Origins of Totalitarianism. Cleveland: Meridian Books, 1958.
Orwell, George. 1984. New York: Alfred A Knopf, 1949.
Orwell, George. Animal Farm. New York: Alfred A Knopf, 1946.
Ms. Arendt’s book is rather tedious and probably should be relagated to college courses on this topic (especially if the student wants to become an intellectual). However, most of us read 1984 while in eighth grade but really didn’t understand what George was trying to tell us. Now that most of you have had several years of “life’s experiences” or at least reading the “Letters to the Editor”section of your local newspaper, I highly recommend you go back and read this book. It’s probably the best written example of a totalitarian society which can be easily understood ⏤ at least by me.
What’s New With Sandy And Stew?
As I previously mentioned, we just returned from a month-long trip to Southeast Asia. It was my first time in that part of the world. Sandy had been there many times over the course of her career as the chief scientist for the Mars Petcare company. One of the highlights of our trip was in Singapore where I had Peking Duck for the first time. We ate at the Crystal Jade Palace and since our private tour guide had set this up for us, we were treated like royalty. It was during the Chinese New Year and it was fun watching some of the New Year traditions at other tables. So, if you’re in Singapore and want a lovely dinner (you’ll likely be the only non-Singaporean in the restaurant), we highly suggest you make a reservation at the Crystal Jade Palace (especially if you want the duck).
We’re looking forward to our next trip to Egypt and sailing down the Nile River.
Someone Is Commenting On Our Blogs
We recently finished our third and final presentation at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Renaissance Center. The three two-hour presentations were Rendezvous with the Gestapo, Marie Antoinette’s Last Ride, and Amazing Women of the French Resistance.
Thank you to everyone who attended and especially to the many people who came up to us and gave us such enthusiastic feedback. I’d especially like to thank our good friend, John W. who reminded me after the first lecture to promote my bi-weekly blogs.
If there is a topic, you’d like to see a blog written about, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I love hearing from you so keep those comments coming.
Why Would You Want To Buy Our “Walks Through History” Books?
Simple.
You like to travel and experience history and historical events. You like to see original buildings that had a significant impact on the people and events of the history you’re engaged with. You want to know the stories behind the brick and mortar in front of you.
The walking tour books are meticulously researched so you can go directly to those sites and learn about the building’s history as well as an introduction to some of the more interesting people associated with it.
Thank You
Sandy and I appreciate you visiting with us. We have some exciting things on the horizon and we’ll keep you updated as we go along.
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