Communism, Marxism, and Fascism, Oh My!
Learn the true definitions and how these terms are used politically today.
Issue #740 The Choice, Friday, October 4, 2024
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For his 3rd presidential campaign, Trump is bearing down on his oft-failed attacks against his opponents, most recently calling the Vice President “Comrade Kamala” (deliberately accenting the 2nd syllable in her name instead of the first) and accusing her of being a communist. Trump is also labeling MVP’s father, Dr. Donald J. Harris, an internationally acclaimed economist who is a professor emeritus at Stanford University, a “Marxist.” Interestingly, it is the communist Russians such as Vladimir Putin and 20th-century German Nazis who often call their high-level politicians “Comrade.”
Today, in America, terms like “communist,” “Marxist,” and “fascist” are frequently too loosely used in public discourse. However, it is important to understand the differences between and contextual meanings of these terms.
Communism: Ideals and Misconceptions
Communism advocates for a classless society in which the means of production are collectively owned. The ideology envisions a social order without private property in which wealth is distributed according to need.
In America, communism has historically been associated with the Soviet Union, leading to its vilification during the Cold War era. Today, the term "communist" is often used to falsely describe progressive policies or politicians advocating for expanded government roles in wealth redistribution and social welfare.
However, true communism, as defined by its original tenets, is not a mainstream American political practice, and there are relatively few true “communists” in America today.
Marxism: Analysis and Influence
Marxism, an analytical framework developed by Karl Marx, criticizes capitalism and its socio-economic impacts. It provides tools for understanding and analyzing class dynamics, economic systems, and power structures.
In modern America, Marxist theory influences various academic and activist circles that critique capitalism and advocate for social justice and economic equality. While Marxism provides the theoretical foundation for communism, not all Marxists advocate for a communist society. Instead, they apply Marxist analysis to address systemic issues and promote reforms within the existing capitalist framework.
Fascism: Authoritarianism and Nationalism
Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, extreme nationalism, and suppressing opposition. Emerging in early 20th-century Europe with figures like Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, fascism seeks to create a centralized autocratic government led by a single party or leader.
Today in America, "fascist" is used to label individuals (Donald J. Trump) or groups (MAGAs) perceived as promoting authoritarian policies, nationalism, or intolerance.
Donald J. Trump is known for his admiration of dictatorial leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
Of course, we all heard Trump declare that:
He wants to “be a dictator on Day One” of a second Trump administration. He has repeatedly said that he wants “his people” to salute and obey him as he believes the population of the countries of his favorite dictators demonstrate to their fascist leaders.
He recently stated that he wants just one full day of state-sponsored “violence,” such as Kristallnacht, the "Night of Broken Glass,” the Nazis implemented in 1938, to eliminate all crime in the United States.
Unfortunately, most MAGAs, including Black and brown MAGAs, support Trump’s visions for “his” America. A reminder that the current Black Lt. Gov. of North Carolina, Mark Robinson, who is also a candidate for governor, declared himself a “Black Nazi.”
Black MAGA Republican Congressional members, including Rep. John James of Michigan, Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, and Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, have openly pledged their allegiance and loyalty to Donald Trump.
Most of the Black men who still support Donald Trump state they do so because they see him as “manly” and “tough.” It doesn’t occur to them that everything about Trump and his policies is dangerous to their very existence and that he grows weaker and more obviously mentally diminished every day.
Fascism threatens our democratic norms and civil liberties.
What to Watch Out For Today
The terms "communist" and "Marxist" are often misused to label any progressive policy aiming for economic reform or addressing inequality. While left-leaning politicians and activists may draw on Marxist analysis to critique capitalism, their proposals often align with social democracy rather than outright communism.
On the other hand, "fascist" is frequently deployed to describe individuals or movements seen as authoritarian or ultranationalist. The label signals growing anxiety over authoritarian tendencies and the erosion of democratic principles.