Activity 8: Fascism Today

Look again at the features of a fascist system:

• One leader ruling a one party state
• Ultra-nationalist
• Total Obedience
• Stamping out opponents
• Brutality and Violence

Fascism is opposed to democracy. In a democratic system there is more than one political party for the people to choose from. In a democratic system people are entitled to express their point of view, even if it is different from the leadership. In a democratic system police brutality and violence is a crime.

In Europe today there is a rise in popular support for small fascist groups. The reasons for this are complex.

Although Europe is one of the richest parts of the world, there are many people living in Europe who are poor. Fascists use this to stir up people’s fear.

They create enemies to focus their hatred on and to take the blame for society’s problems. This is called ‘scapegoating’.

Discuss the following question giving reasons for your answers. You can include as many of the groups as you wish. Some of the groups overlap and that may be something you wish to explore in your discussion.

• Who do you think are the enemies or scapegoats of today’s European fascists? Give reasons for your answer.