

How to Talk to Your Son About Fascism + The National Guard Sent to Los Angeles
15 snips Jun 9, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Craig A. Johnson, an author and expert on right-wing ideologies, shares insights on the alarming trends of young men gravitating toward fascism. He discusses the normalization of fascist ideas in today’s culture and the recruitment techniques prevalent online. Johnson emphasizes the importance of open, empathetic dialogues for parents, providing strategies for navigating these tough conversations while promoting media literacy and positive role models to counteract toxic narratives.
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Normalization of Fascism
- Fascism is now a normalized part of culture, especially through the internet and social media.
- Ideas once fringe are now mainstream and pervasive among youth and online platforms.
Fascism's Youthful Allure
- Fascism appeals strongly to young men because it promises power, speed, and dominance.
- It attracts youth by offering answers to feelings of frustration and desire to cut through complexity.
Fragile Masculinity and Fascism
- Masculinity today is fragile due to the shrinking scope of traditional male roles.
- Fascism offers a false nostalgia for a brief, exclusionary past where men felt dominant and in control.