Explore the deep connections between fascism and capitalism as the historical roots reveal manipulation of worker patriotism. Delve into Mussolini's transition from socialism to fascism and the implications for today's society. The dynamics between fascism and liberalism highlight how the latter's weaknesses pave the way for extremist ideologies. Economic struggles post-World War I illustrate the erosion of workers' rights, reminding us of ongoing threats to organized labor. This analysis invites listeners to consider the relevance of fascist critiques in contemporary contexts.
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Mussolini Memorabilia in NYC
A novelty shop in New York sold Mussolini posters and t-shirts.
The clerk said some people might want someone like Mussolini in this country today.
insights INSIGHT
Fascism as Capitalism Crisis
Fascism is capitalism in crisis needing a crisis to emerge.
Trump embodies the authoritarian leader paradoxically rising in current capitalist struggles.
insights INSIGHT
Modern Fascism Targets Liberalism
Fascism today is not reacting to real communist movements in the US.
It mainly opposes liberalism's limited safety nets, not socialism or communism.
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George Jackson's 'Blood in My Eye' is a powerful and unflinching account of his experiences in the California prison system. Written while incarcerated, the book offers a searing critique of the prison-industrial complex and the systemic racism that permeates the U.S. justice system. Jackson details the brutal realities of prison life, including violence, oppression, and the dehumanization of prisoners. He also articulates a radical political vision, advocating for revolutionary change and the dismantling of oppressive systems. The book remains a crucial text for understanding the ongoing struggle for racial justice and prison reform.
Black Shirts and Reds, Rational Fascism and the Overthrow of Communism
Black Shirts and Reds, Rational Fascism and the Overthrow of Communism
Rational Fascism and the Overthrow of Communism
Michael Parenti
Michael Parenti's "Black Shirts and Reds" provides a critical analysis of fascism, examining its historical context and its relationship to capitalism. Parenti argues that fascism is not simply an aberration but rather a logical outcome of capitalism in crisis. The book explores the collaboration between fascists and capitalists, highlighting how economic interests often drive the rise of authoritarian regimes. Parenti's work challenges conventional understandings of fascism, offering a nuanced perspective that considers the economic and political forces at play. He emphasizes the importance of understanding fascism's economic roots to effectively combat its resurgence. The book remains relevant today as it offers insights into the rise of contemporary right-wing populism.
This is a free preview of the episode "How Fascism Works." You can listen to the full episode by subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/upstreampodcast
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In this episode of our reading series, Robbie reads and provides real-time analysis of the opening chapter of the classic book Blackshirts & Reds: Rational Fascism & the Overthrow of Communism by Michael Parenti. The text covers the topics of plutocracy and autocracy, whom the fascists last century supported, a bit of history on Hitler and Mussolini, the rational and irrational aspects of fascism, patriarchy and pseudo-revolution, collaboration, and much more.
The analysis provided in the reading brings this text into our current conditions and looks at where Parenti's analysis holds up and where it might need to be stretched and adapted to help us understand the rise of neofascism in the United States under Trump and his modern day fascist footsoldiers. We explain why it's more important than ever to resist collaboration and to stand in full solidarity with all of the racialized and criminalized "others" in order to combat the fearmongering and scapegoating that fascism relies on in order to grow in strength.
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