What is Fascism? Why should it matter to organizers and activists?
Oct 28, 2024
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Join longtime activist Kelly Hayes, who hosts Movement Memos and authored "Let This Radicalize You," as she discusses the ominous rise of fascism in the U.S. with Ejeris. They delve into grassroots organizing and the significance of solidarity among marginalized communities. Hayes emphasizes storytelling as a powerful tool for combating fascism, making the subject accessible through relatable narratives. The conversation urges listeners to engage in collective action and stay informed, highlighting the importance of collaboration in these critical times.
The rise of fascist movements necessitates ongoing community organization and vigilance, especially as voter suppression tactics increasingly target marginalized groups.
Engaging informal conversations about fascism through relatable narratives can empower individuals and foster a culture of anti-fascist activism.
Deep dives
Understanding the Threat of Fascism
The podcast emphasizes the growing concern regarding the rise of fascism in the United States, particularly in the context of the impending presidential election. The speaker highlights that the immediate threats to targeted communities are paramount and suggests that a large part of society is beginning to recognize and label these fascist behaviors accurately. Notably, Kamala Harris is cited as beginning to use the term 'fascist' in speeches, reflecting a shift in mainstream discourse alongside a significant portion of the public now viewing Trump as a fascist. It underscores the idea that regardless of the election outcome, the threat posed by fascist movements will persist, necessitating ongoing vigilance and community organization to combat it.
Voter Suppression Tactics
Significant concern is raised about the myriad tactics being employed to suppress voter turnout, particularly among minority groups. The podcast mentions recent legal actions in numerous battleground states aimed at restricting access to voting, including claims of widespread voter fraud that many intent on restricting the democratic process have leveraged. A specific program called Eagle AI is discussed, which automates the challenge of eligible voters' status, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and creating further barriers. The overall message highlights that these voter suppression tactics are indicative of rising fascist strategies to undermine democracy.
Community Resistance and Solidarity
The conversation stresses the importance of community solidarity in resisting fascism, particularly in marginalized groups already facing high rates of violence and oppression. It points out that understanding and addressing fascism's roots and impacts is vital for collective survival, especially for communities of color and low-income populations. The podcast reinforces that the struggles against oppressive systems are interconnected and that effective organizing across different social issues can create pathways to liberation. Building strong networks of support within communities is framed as essential for both immediate survival and long-term resistance efforts.
Fostering Anti-Fascist Conversations
A key takeaway is the necessity of fostering conversations about fascism in informal settings, utilizing narratives from fiction and culture to make the topic more relatable and accessible. The speakers acknowledge that discussing fascism can often be seen as daunting or negative; therefore, connecting it to popular stories may create entry points for engaging with friends and family. They encourage listeners to focus on grassroots organizing and community resilience rather than getting caught up in the electoral circus, emphasizing the importance of collective knowledge and preparedness. Ultimately, the podcast advocates for empowering individuals through storytelling and community engagement to cultivate a robust anti-fascist culture.
Ejeris talks with Kelly Hayes, longtime activist, organizer, writer, and host of the podcast Movement Memos, to examine how the growth of fascist movements impacts organizers, activists, and the communities most likely to be targeted. Kelly and Ejeris discuss how to engage more people in anti-fascist activism and what actions we all can take.
You can find the tools you need to fight fascism at our Resource Hub.
