by Mars thera pope
Several news organizations were barred from the Trump White House press briefing on Feb. 24. Such news outlets as CNN, Buzzfeed, and the New York Times were not allowed into the briefing with Press Secretary Sean Spicer, and because of this, both the Associated Press and Time magazine, although allowed to enter, boycotted in solidarity. The banning of traditionally liberal media sources last week is just one of the ways President Trump and his staff have begun to show signs of fascism.
Fascism has many ideological features, one of them being control of the media, which Trump has demonstrated he favors. Hyper-nationalism is another key component of fascism, which Trump is orchestrating like no other. Even in Trump’s campaign, this was evident through his slogan “Make America Great Again,” which capitalized on the country and its devoted nationalists. He continues to talk about putting the United States first, and although this should seem comforting, it is worrisome how much more he cares for this country above others.
Another early sign of fascism is the praise of violence and readiness to use it in politics. Past fascist leaders have had their supporters beat up and occasionally kill those whose politics differed from that of the leaders. Although Trump has not outright said that he approves of this tactic, he has not discouraged it, and many have committed acts of violence in his name. Within the first week of his inauguration, “Make America White Again” was spray painted in New York in honor of Trump’s campaign slogan. Acts similar to this one have spread throughout the country, targeting minorities whose politics differ from Trump’s in America.
Trump further shows signs of another fascist characteristic, theatricality. Trump’s theatrics are no secret, but the way they align with the fascist style is frightening. Trump has a tendency to call things and people either the best or worst thing ever. His love for repeated chants, his rehearsed frown, and overall rhetoric coordinate with what’s been seen of past fascist leaders, such as Hitler and Mussolini.
To add on to the list of fascist tendencies, Trump has been obsessed with national security, the reason he gave for signing the executive order, nicknamed the Muslim Ban, on Jan. 27. In his statement regarding the order, he said, “America has always been the land of the free and home of the brave. We will keep it free and keep it safe, as the media know but refuse to say.” Again, he is blaming the media in order to discredit reports that he doesn’t approve of.
A fascist regime would increase chances of another war as well as strip citizens of their right to their own opinion and express that opinion. It is fair to say that the past has proven fascism to be a cruel and inhumane system. With evidence putting the president in that direction, fear is inevitable and valid. However, that fear should manifest into a fight against these fascist ideals. This is not the time to be silent and go unnoticed. Donald Trump can not censor the voices of millions.