Conspirituality

Brief: How To Talk To Your Son About Fascism (Pt 1)

Apr 26, 2025

Historian Craig Johnson, an expert on the radical right and host of Fifteen Minutes of Fascism, dives deep into how fascism appeals to young men. He discusses the constructed nature of masculinity, the phenomenon of irony poisoning, and innovative strategies to counteract these dangerous ideologies. Johnson emphasizes the vital role of parents in guiding conversations about fascism, equipping young people to resist extremist influences. Their engaging dialogue offers essential insights for educators and concerned family members alike.

46:32

Episode guests

Craig Johnson

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Fascism exploits constructs of masculinity, reinforcing the notion that power should be predominantly held by men while diminishing women's roles.

Addressing young men's socioeconomic challenges and offering inclusive alternatives can effectively counter the appeal of fascism and far-right ideologies.

Deep dives

Understanding Fascism Through a Gendered Lens

The discussion highlights how defining fascism involves examining its misogynistic roots, particularly its fixation on sexual hierarchies. It presents a clear argument that fascism inherently promotes the idea that men should occupy positions of power while relegating women to roles associated with family and childcare. This perspective is essential because it exposes how fascists use constructs of masculinity to consolidate power and perpetuate societal norms. By emphasizing that fascism is fundamentally sexist, the episode challenges traditional narratives that often downplay the role of gender in fascist ideologies.

Intro

2min

Fascism, Masculinity, and Misogyny

9min

Building Coalitions Against Fascism: A Political Necessity

3min

The Impact of Diversity on Community and Extremism

2min

Navigating Masculinity and Fascism

21min

Understanding Extremism: A Family Perspective

10min

Historian Craig Johnson (PhD Berkeley) hosts Fifteen Minutes of Fascism, which covers the global rise of the radical right. He’s the author of an excellent new book, How to Talk to Your Son about Fascism, a guide for parents and educators on keeping young men out of the extreme right wing.

In this first of a two-part interview, Matthew and Craig discuss definitions of fascism, why it appeals to young men (or how masculinity is socially constructed), irony poisoning, and whether fascism can be fought through accelerating cringe cycles.

Part 2 drops in Patreon on Monday. That episode centers on an exploration of strategy: how do we theorize the agency of kids becoming political actors? How do we maintain trust while engaging with a family member sliding to the right?