An excerpt from my latest book “Fascism in 21st Century America”,
Part Three – Responses to the Threat of Fascism in America
Releasing Anger and Hatred
There is no shortage of anger and hatred in American society. Its symptoms include gun violence, road rage, political nastiness, attacks on school boards, disrespect of authority, bullying, gang warfare, racial bias against minorities and immigrants, denial of history and science, incivility, vigilante justice, social media attacks, spreading unfounded conspiracy theories, child abuse, spousal abuse, gender abuse, and mean-spirited attacks on each other. All of this anger and hatred—fueled by fear—provides fertile ground for the growth of fascism in America.
There is also a great deal of kindness, generosity, tolerance, courtesy, and respect in America. Its symptoms include being open and welcoming to diverse groups, neighbor helping neighbor, stranger helping stranger, random acts of kindness, charitable giving, reacting non-defensively to an angry attack, caring for a person in need, volunteering at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, and treating everyone with courtesy and respect. All of these symptoms—fueled by love—offer hope for the future of American democracy and the demise of the fascist threat.
It is unlikely that all anger and hate in America will be eradicated in my lifetime, but there are daily opportunities for ordinary Americans to push the envelope in the direction of a kinder and gentler society. Modeling loving kindness may penetrate the consciousness of some family members, friends, or neighbors, influencing them to question their own behaviors and underlying attitudes and fears.
Light does not attack darkness; it shines it away. Lending a non-judgmental hand to a person in trouble can transform a relationship. Reacting to an unkind remark with loving kindness can change the personal dynamics. With each act of kindness, the circle of love expands and shines away some of the anger and hatred. To paraphrase Benito Mussolini, it is putting the feathers of democracy back on the chicken, one feather at a time.
