Political scientist Dr. Lawrence Britt wrote an article about fascism ("Fascism Anyone?"). Studying the fascist regimes of Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile), Dr. Britt found they all had 14 elements in common. He calls these the identifying characteristics of fascism.
The 14 characteristics are:
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.
2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights
Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial , ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.
4. Supremacy of the Military
Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
5. Rampant Sexism
The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.
6. Controlled Mass Media
Sometimes to media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.
7. Obsession with National Security
Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined
Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.
9. Corporate Power is Protected
The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.
10. Labor Power is Suppressed
Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed .
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment
Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.
14. Fraudulent Elections
Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.
Your list looks terrifyingly familiar as we’ve just sat back and let each item sneak in because one thing or the other “didn’t affect me”. Pot boiling frog events.
Not surprising to see your comment. From past behavior i suspect you are either a) trying to get a reaction; or b) playing devil’s advocate for your own amusement.
I draw the line based on everything I have learned from people more knowledgable than I, such as my college profs or a political scientist who has researched the topic.
For the record, fascism is political behavior I don’t like. This list clearly defines the term.
Hmm, most people post to have dialogue, so that part ought not seem so unusual.
I think where I struggle is using that list as a definitive label for one side, when it’s broad enough that you could apply parts of it in multiple directions depending on how you interpret it.
That’s why I was asking where you draw the line...otherwise it can come across as applying a standard selectively rather than consistently.
Beautifully captures the resilience of the human soul. And while it's hard to imagine such inhumanities ever being repeated, history has proven time and again just how naive we can be.
We've recently watched two mini-series from the 80's, "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance." The screenplays and books are about the late 1930's and through the end of WWII. There were written by Herman Wouk. Those people nowadays who throw the word "Nazi" around at anyone they do not like, and seek to find similarities between Hitler and current politicians, should watch those mini-series and/or read the books. At the very least they should visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. to become better educated.
Bonnie, those books were marvelous, if that’s the right word
When I told someone I was voting independent during this election she actually put her finger in my chest & said I I didn’t vote for Harris I was voting for Hitler
imo, that type of rhetoric hasn’t decreased, the D’s are still playing the blame game “all those stupid R’s. I’m a conservative Republican & “they” should not be clumping folks into identity groups. “They” could take a look at what got Trump elected…
something else to pass along, about judging others, decision making, using labels that might not really be applicable, but fit 'your team'; this can also be helpful to kids & social media
leading up to this holy week, there have been numerous writings about judgment, 'do not worry', etc., etc... this is pieced this together, some from therapy writings, a recent interview w/ John Ortberg about spiritual growth...
Pause before making quick decisions
The cold hits you the moment you step outside. It’s 40 degrees, the wind cuts through your scarf—and there’s your neighbor, walking past in a thin T-shirt like it’s June. Before you’ve taken another step, you’ve already decided something about her.
Maybe it’s “What is she thinking?” or “People are so careless.” Your walk turns into a private lecture about other people’s choices.
There is another way you could see it. Instead of landing on your neighbor, your attention turns inward. You notice the warmth of your own jacket, feel your shoulders relax. “I’m glad I grabbed this on my way out.” Your mind drifts to the closet at home, stuffed with coats you rarely wear, and wonders which ones you could donate to the local shelter.
It’s the same cold sidewalk, the same neighbor in a T-shirt, but an entirely different experience.
Both of those internal dialogues are often considered “judging,” but psychologists draw a sharp distinction between the two. One is quick, harsh, and focused on others. The second is slower, inward-facing, and self-aware. The gap between the two has a name: discernment. It’s the ability to perceive a situation clearly and judge it thoughtfully.
The Fast Mind and the Reflective Mind
Researchers have long known that the brain relies on two primary systems of decision-making: the reactive system, which is impulsive and intuitive, and the reflective system, which is logical and methodical.
Intuitive thinking can be described as efficient, but also biased. Instead of slowing down to take in the full picture, it jumps to conclusions based on past experiences or what feels familiar. It is the difference between assuming that a friend’s short text means that he is upset and considering that he might just be busy.
That shortcut served humans well when fast survival decisions were a matter of life or death, but in modern life, that same instinct can lead us astray. A 2025 study published in Communications in Psychology suggests that once we’ve made up our minds about something, we tend to seek out information that confirms what we already believe and filter out what doesn’t. In other words, we stop listening, not because we’re incurious, but because certainty feels like an answer.
Discernment works differently. It allows us to weigh our options rather than make assumptions, and to simply observe, rather than constantly feel the need to fix or change something. A 2025 study found that people perceived slower, more deliberate decision-makers as more intelligent and trustworthy than faster ones, even when the two groups reached identical conclusions.
There’s also a physical dimension to this. Snap reactions can leave you tense and on edge, while discernment brings a sense of calm and comfort, as if your thoughts and emotions are working together rather than competing.
How Discernment Leads to Better Decisions
We have all been there. A short email from a colleague feels cold, or a stranger’s glance on the subway seems disapproving. The mind fills in the blanks before you have all the facts.
Judgment is usually automatic and evaluative. It happens quickly, often outside of conscious awareness. The brain is scanning for threat and efficiency, not nuance.
Stress can make this pattern worse. When people feel overwhelmed, their thinking becomes sharper and more binary. Experiences are sorted into safe or unsafe, good or bad, and that sorting happens quickly.
Discernment enters a “choice point.” It’s the moment between stimulus and response at which, if you’re paying attention, something else becomes possible. Maybe your heart is racing, or a flush of heat comes over your cheeks. A defensive thought is forming at that very moment.
Awareness is just noticing what’s happening without making it mean anything yet. If you skip straight to evaluation, you usually just react.
That pause may last only a few seconds, but it can be the difference between sending a harsh text and asking a thoughtful clarifying question.
Habitual judgment can be described as a form of “splitting,” categorizing people or situations as all good or all bad. The mind might do this to maintain safety when it feels threatened.
The problem is that the shortcut distorts reality: A capable colleague becomes incompetent after a single mistake, or a friend becomes unreliable after one cancellation. Someone online you disagree with in say political areas you assume the worst in all areas & 'close your mind' to consider any possibility that person could have something to contribute to a discussion.
Keep the Conversation Open. Judgment is often emotionally charged and protective.
When someone forgets an important date, a conversation can curdle before it begins, sparked by a defensive tone, stiff posture, and overall tense vibe. When a coworker disagrees publicly with you in a meeting, judgment can turn that disagreement into opposition, limiting your ability to work together and creatively problem-solve.
Slowing down changes the dynamic.
Immediate judgments come from brain systems tied to threat detection and emotional memory. When we deliberately pause, brain regions tied to regulation and perspective-taking become active. The body follows that shift as well. Habitual judging keeps the nervous system on alert, constantly scanning for what’s wrong.
Discernment reduces the need to be in defense mode. It’s steadier. It lets you tolerate uncertainty, consider multiple perspectives, and respond proportionately instead of escalating.
The Cost of Constant Judgment
Judgment, when it becomes reflexive, exacts a real cost. A person who constantly evaluates others and himself carries that into every interaction. Casual remarks are replayed, minor mistakes feel intense, and every interaction is seen as good or bad. The mind never gets a break from assessing every scenario.
Judging yourself a lot just adds more stress. You get tight and start fighting with yourself. Over time, this pattern narrows your ability to empathize with others. Rigidity begins to affect your relationships. Conversations stall because both sides feel misread or criticized. This is the area where the development of teens can be especially critical when social media causes such conflict.
When a person practices discernment, connections start to change. Two people can still disagree, but when your mind isn’t constantly ruminating on every difference, it reduces unnecessary conflict. Judgment narrows attention to what feels wrong, while discernment broadens attention to what is relevant.
Developing discernment begins with a deceptively simple act: noticing a thought before declaring it true. Awareness is just observation. It notices what’s happening without labeling it yet. Evaluation is what comes next. The space between those two things—noticing and meaning-making—is where discernment lives.
Discernment is not a rare personality trait. It develops through small, everyday choices. Often it appears in a simple moment when your impulse says, “Decide now.” It’s the internal equivalent of taking a breath before speaking.
That moment between noticing and meaning-making gives you space to regulate. It’s choosing responsiveness over reactivity.
In a noisy digital age that rewards instant opinions, discernment may be the rare skill that brings back connection. Next time something triggers a strong reaction, give yourself a few moments before responding. Instead of immediately replying to a message or forming a judgment about someone’s behavior, allow your mind time to stop and think. That distance can make it easier to notice assumptions forming in the background.
It can help to revisit the moment later. What actually happened, and what did your mind add to the story? Writing down the situation or talking it through with someone you trust can make those patterns easier to recognize over time. Like any form of self-awareness, it strengthens with repetition. Not everything requires an immediate response or reaction. Sometimes the wisest response is to notice, breathe, and wait a few minutes before responding.
Thank you for the uplifting story in the midst of chaos. As a federal employee right now, the quote on fascism is particularly thought-provoking.
Political scientist Dr. Lawrence Britt wrote an article about fascism ("Fascism Anyone?"). Studying the fascist regimes of Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile), Dr. Britt found they all had 14 elements in common. He calls these the identifying characteristics of fascism.
The 14 characteristics are:
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.
2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights
Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial , ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.
4. Supremacy of the Military
Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
5. Rampant Sexism
The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.
6. Controlled Mass Media
Sometimes to media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.
7. Obsession with National Security
Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined
Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.
9. Corporate Power is Protected
The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.
10. Labor Power is Suppressed
Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed .
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment
Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.
14. Fraudulent Elections
Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.
That is disturbingly accurate as th what we are seeing present day.
Your list looks terrifyingly familiar as we’ve just sat back and let each item sneak in because one thing or the other “didn’t affect me”. Pot boiling frog events.
I’ve seen that list before...it’s interesting, but it’s broad enough that you could apply pieces of it to almost any political group if you wanted to.
So I guess the real question is...where do you draw the line between actual fascism and just political behavior you don’t like?
Not surprising to see your comment. From past behavior i suspect you are either a) trying to get a reaction; or b) playing devil’s advocate for your own amusement.
I draw the line based on everything I have learned from people more knowledgable than I, such as my college profs or a political scientist who has researched the topic.
For the record, fascism is political behavior I don’t like. This list clearly defines the term.
Hmm, most people post to have dialogue, so that part ought not seem so unusual.
I think where I struggle is using that list as a definitive label for one side, when it’s broad enough that you could apply parts of it in multiple directions depending on how you interpret it.
That’s why I was asking where you draw the line...otherwise it can come across as applying a standard selectively rather than consistently.
I’m sure you will work it out.
Gotcha - was just looking for the criteria.
Without that, it’s kind of hard to take the label seriously.
Talk about predictable...
I loved the Gary to Geddy story ! Thank you for posting it ❤️❤️
Beautifully captures the resilience of the human soul. And while it's hard to imagine such inhumanities ever being repeated, history has proven time and again just how naive we can be.
I love that Gary changed his name so his mom’s pronunciation of it would be correct ❤️❤️.
We've recently watched two mini-series from the 80's, "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance." The screenplays and books are about the late 1930's and through the end of WWII. There were written by Herman Wouk. Those people nowadays who throw the word "Nazi" around at anyone they do not like, and seek to find similarities between Hitler and current politicians, should watch those mini-series and/or read the books. At the very least they should visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. to become better educated.
I have done everything you suggest as well as visited the museum in Detroit.
You might take the time to read the actual book Animal Farm just to give you even more perspective.
Bonnie, those books were marvelous, if that’s the right word
When I told someone I was voting independent during this election she actually put her finger in my chest & said I I didn’t vote for Harris I was voting for Hitler
imo, that type of rhetoric hasn’t decreased, the D’s are still playing the blame game “all those stupid R’s. I’m a conservative Republican & “they” should not be clumping folks into identity groups. “They” could take a look at what got Trump elected…
I’ve always loved that story about Geddy. 😢
something else to pass along, about judging others, decision making, using labels that might not really be applicable, but fit 'your team'; this can also be helpful to kids & social media
leading up to this holy week, there have been numerous writings about judgment, 'do not worry', etc., etc... this is pieced this together, some from therapy writings, a recent interview w/ John Ortberg about spiritual growth...
Pause before making quick decisions
The cold hits you the moment you step outside. It’s 40 degrees, the wind cuts through your scarf—and there’s your neighbor, walking past in a thin T-shirt like it’s June. Before you’ve taken another step, you’ve already decided something about her.
Maybe it’s “What is she thinking?” or “People are so careless.” Your walk turns into a private lecture about other people’s choices.
There is another way you could see it. Instead of landing on your neighbor, your attention turns inward. You notice the warmth of your own jacket, feel your shoulders relax. “I’m glad I grabbed this on my way out.” Your mind drifts to the closet at home, stuffed with coats you rarely wear, and wonders which ones you could donate to the local shelter.
It’s the same cold sidewalk, the same neighbor in a T-shirt, but an entirely different experience.
Both of those internal dialogues are often considered “judging,” but psychologists draw a sharp distinction between the two. One is quick, harsh, and focused on others. The second is slower, inward-facing, and self-aware. The gap between the two has a name: discernment. It’s the ability to perceive a situation clearly and judge it thoughtfully.
The Fast Mind and the Reflective Mind
Researchers have long known that the brain relies on two primary systems of decision-making: the reactive system, which is impulsive and intuitive, and the reflective system, which is logical and methodical.
Intuitive thinking can be described as efficient, but also biased. Instead of slowing down to take in the full picture, it jumps to conclusions based on past experiences or what feels familiar. It is the difference between assuming that a friend’s short text means that he is upset and considering that he might just be busy.
That shortcut served humans well when fast survival decisions were a matter of life or death, but in modern life, that same instinct can lead us astray. A 2025 study published in Communications in Psychology suggests that once we’ve made up our minds about something, we tend to seek out information that confirms what we already believe and filter out what doesn’t. In other words, we stop listening, not because we’re incurious, but because certainty feels like an answer.
Discernment works differently. It allows us to weigh our options rather than make assumptions, and to simply observe, rather than constantly feel the need to fix or change something. A 2025 study found that people perceived slower, more deliberate decision-makers as more intelligent and trustworthy than faster ones, even when the two groups reached identical conclusions.
There’s also a physical dimension to this. Snap reactions can leave you tense and on edge, while discernment brings a sense of calm and comfort, as if your thoughts and emotions are working together rather than competing.
How Discernment Leads to Better Decisions
We have all been there. A short email from a colleague feels cold, or a stranger’s glance on the subway seems disapproving. The mind fills in the blanks before you have all the facts.
Judgment is usually automatic and evaluative. It happens quickly, often outside of conscious awareness. The brain is scanning for threat and efficiency, not nuance.
Stress can make this pattern worse. When people feel overwhelmed, their thinking becomes sharper and more binary. Experiences are sorted into safe or unsafe, good or bad, and that sorting happens quickly.
Discernment enters a “choice point.” It’s the moment between stimulus and response at which, if you’re paying attention, something else becomes possible. Maybe your heart is racing, or a flush of heat comes over your cheeks. A defensive thought is forming at that very moment.
Awareness is just noticing what’s happening without making it mean anything yet. If you skip straight to evaluation, you usually just react.
That pause may last only a few seconds, but it can be the difference between sending a harsh text and asking a thoughtful clarifying question.
Habitual judgment can be described as a form of “splitting,” categorizing people or situations as all good or all bad. The mind might do this to maintain safety when it feels threatened.
The problem is that the shortcut distorts reality: A capable colleague becomes incompetent after a single mistake, or a friend becomes unreliable after one cancellation. Someone online you disagree with in say political areas you assume the worst in all areas & 'close your mind' to consider any possibility that person could have something to contribute to a discussion.
Keep the Conversation Open. Judgment is often emotionally charged and protective.
When someone forgets an important date, a conversation can curdle before it begins, sparked by a defensive tone, stiff posture, and overall tense vibe. When a coworker disagrees publicly with you in a meeting, judgment can turn that disagreement into opposition, limiting your ability to work together and creatively problem-solve.
Slowing down changes the dynamic.
Immediate judgments come from brain systems tied to threat detection and emotional memory. When we deliberately pause, brain regions tied to regulation and perspective-taking become active. The body follows that shift as well. Habitual judging keeps the nervous system on alert, constantly scanning for what’s wrong.
Discernment reduces the need to be in defense mode. It’s steadier. It lets you tolerate uncertainty, consider multiple perspectives, and respond proportionately instead of escalating.
The Cost of Constant Judgment
Judgment, when it becomes reflexive, exacts a real cost. A person who constantly evaluates others and himself carries that into every interaction. Casual remarks are replayed, minor mistakes feel intense, and every interaction is seen as good or bad. The mind never gets a break from assessing every scenario.
Judging yourself a lot just adds more stress. You get tight and start fighting with yourself. Over time, this pattern narrows your ability to empathize with others. Rigidity begins to affect your relationships. Conversations stall because both sides feel misread or criticized. This is the area where the development of teens can be especially critical when social media causes such conflict.
When a person practices discernment, connections start to change. Two people can still disagree, but when your mind isn’t constantly ruminating on every difference, it reduces unnecessary conflict. Judgment narrows attention to what feels wrong, while discernment broadens attention to what is relevant.
Developing discernment begins with a deceptively simple act: noticing a thought before declaring it true. Awareness is just observation. It notices what’s happening without labeling it yet. Evaluation is what comes next. The space between those two things—noticing and meaning-making—is where discernment lives.
Discernment is not a rare personality trait. It develops through small, everyday choices. Often it appears in a simple moment when your impulse says, “Decide now.” It’s the internal equivalent of taking a breath before speaking.
That moment between noticing and meaning-making gives you space to regulate. It’s choosing responsiveness over reactivity.
In a noisy digital age that rewards instant opinions, discernment may be the rare skill that brings back connection. Next time something triggers a strong reaction, give yourself a few moments before responding. Instead of immediately replying to a message or forming a judgment about someone’s behavior, allow your mind time to stop and think. That distance can make it easier to notice assumptions forming in the background.
It can help to revisit the moment later. What actually happened, and what did your mind add to the story? Writing down the situation or talking it through with someone you trust can make those patterns easier to recognize over time. Like any form of self-awareness, it strengthens with repetition. Not everything requires an immediate response or reaction. Sometimes the wisest response is to notice, breathe, and wait a few minutes before responding.