The "Opposite Day" Rule of Fascism

Gaslighting is the top tool of any fascist government. Worse, it is why fascists are frequently successful in taking over democracies. It is not because Americans agree with the lunacy that is served by Fascists, it is because they have been intimidated and scared into not speaking up. The recipe for gaslighting is: telling outrageous, counter intuitive lies over and over again + intimidation = successful gaslighting.

It has truly become “Opposite Day”, every day here in the U.S…

Ending cancer research = good idea.
Peaceful protests = riots.
Music Festivals = subversive meetings.
LGBTQ parades = indoctrination.
Government agencies providing public service = committing fraud.
Libraries = misinformation distributors.
Blue cities simply existing as they always do = military emergencies.

Fascist governments have historically employed strategies such as creating fake emergencies to justify militarization and consolidate power, often undermining democratic institutions. These tactics enable regimes to instill fear, suppress opposition, and justify authoritarian measures under the guise of national security.

Adolf Hitler’s Reichstag Fire in 1933 was officially declared a communist conspiracy, which Hitler used to create a state of emergency. This event facilitated the passage of the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties and allowed the detention of political opponents. The subsequent Enabling Act gave Hitler dictatorial powers, effectively dismantling democracy and enabling militarization of the state.

In Italy, Benito Mussolini’s regime exploited the war scare and national crises to tighten control. The March on Rome in 1922 was a demonstration of power that led to Mussolini’s appointment as Prime Minister. Later, the regime fabricated or exaggerated external threats to justify aggressive militarization and the suppression of dissent, paving the way for Italy’s imperial ambitions.
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More recent examples of fascist or neo-fascist movements in Europe often involve far-right political parties and groups that promote nationalist, xenophobic, and authoritarian rhetoric. While they may not always be classified as full-fledged fascist regimes, their ideologies and actions echo many historical fascist themes. Some notable examples include:

1. Alternative for Germany (AfD) - Germany: The AfD is a right-wing populist party that has been criticized for its nationalist stance, anti-immigration policies, and xenophobic rhetoric. While it operates within democratic institutions, its rhetoric and rise have raised concerns about the resurgence of far-right ideas.
2. National Rally (Rassemblement National) in France - Formerly the National Front: Led by Marine Le Pen, this party advocates for strict immigration controls, nationalism, and Euroscepticism. Its rhetoric has often been accused of veering towards xenophobia and racialization, echoing some fascist themes.
3. Golden Dawn in Greece - Though its influence has waned since its peak around 2012-2013, Golden Dawn was a neo-fascist party known for violent rhetoric, anti-immigrant policies, and connections to extremist violence. It was classified as a criminal organization in 2020.
4. Viktor Orbán’s Hungary - Orbán’s government has been accused of eroding democratic institutions, restricting press freedom, and consolidating power through nationalist and authoritarian policies. His government has employed anti-immigrant rhetoric and passed laws that undermine judiciary independence, raising concerns about its slide toward authoritarianism.
5. Vladimir Putin’s Russia - While not a fascist regime in the classical sense, Russia under Putin has been described by some analysts as exhibiting fascist or neo-fascist tendencies due to its nationalism, suppression of dissent, propaganda, militarization, and aggressive foreign policy.

Throughout history, the pattern remains clear: crises manufactured or manipulated by fascist regimes serve to justify authoritarian measures, enabling the entrenchment of power and the militarization of nations at the expense of democratic principles.

So when “Opposite Day” is everyday, we should all be concerned that is sounds all too familiar.
The only way to stop the “Opposite Day” rhetoric is to call it out. When a government starts declaring emergencies, citizens must call it out and protest. Do not be afraid. Speak up, protest, talk to your neighbors and participate in your community.

Remember to come to “No Kings” Day on October 18th. Visit indivisible.org for details.