What is a fascist? I'll tell you. Umberto Eco identified 14 core traits of what he labeled "Ur-fascism" meaning the fundamental archetype of a fascist that can reappear throughout history and not just referencing a single regime style. - Cult of tradition (Belief that all essential truth already exists in ancient sources. New knowledge is viewed with suspicion, and tradition is treated as the ultimate authority) - Rejection of modernism (Hostile beliefs about Enlightenment rationalism and progressive social change) - Action for action’s sake (Action is valued over thought or reflection, and acting without explanation is treated as a virtue) - Disagreement with the leader is treason (Critical thinking and dissent are framed as betrayal of the movement) - Fear of difference (Differences in identity, culture, or belief are treated as threats that must be opposed) - Appeal to a frustrated middle class (Fascist movements draw support from a middle class that feels economically or socially insecure) - Obsessions with grand plots/narratives (Conspiracy thinking is encouraged, portraying enemies as secretly coordinating against “the people”) - Enemies are both strong and weak (Opponents are described as powerful enough to be dangerous but also weak, corrupt, or inferior) - Pacifism is trafficking with the enemy (Life is framed as a constant state of struggle, and rejecting conflict is treated as disloyal) - Contempt for the weak (Weakness is despised, and strength is glorified over empathy or compassion) - Trained to be a “hero” (Followers are encouraged to see themselves as heroic figures who must be ready for sacrifice) - Obsession with “machismo” (Hyper‑masculinity is glorified, and non‑conforming sexual identities are rejected) - Selective populism (The leader claims to represent “the people,” but only those who support the movement are considered legitimate) - Newspeak (Language is reduced and simplified to limit critical thinking and encourage emotional responses) ALL of these apply to Donald Trump. #smokefléét