QUORA: ‘Is it possible to be both a Communist and a Fascist?’
I posted this answer:
Superficially, no. Essentially, yes. The difference between Communism and Fascism are as follows. Communism is international, focussing on a united socialist world. Fascism, or national socialism, rejects that approach, instead focussing on socialism tailored to specific national attributes. Communism seeks state ownership of business and private enterprise (the means of production). Fascism seeks effective ownership through widespread centralized control of the economy, leaving a veneer of private ownership. Communism is strictly Egalitarian economically, demanding strict equality. Fascism redistributes plenty of wealth, but allows some measure of differentiation in wealth and income.
While Communism and Fascism differ in means, and feign to be mortal enemies, they share a common goal, along with every variation of socialism--wholesale, totalitarian socialization of society, and a hatred of their common enemy, individualism, the heart of Capitalism. Communism’s disdain for individualism, or individual autonomy, is undisputed. But just read Hitler’s Mein Kampf or Mussolini’s Doctrine of Fascism, and you will easily notice the same disdain for individualism and Capitalism. All share a collective moral vision, whereby all individuals, and their associations, whether corporations, unions, professional or trade societies, etc., exist for and within the orbit of the state. Don’t forget Molotov-Ribbentrop, the Nazi-Soviet pact that launched World War II.
Socialists love to redefine socialism, each faction claiming that their brand will work where all the others failed—somehow. Which brings us to today’s Democratic Socialists. I view these socialists as sympathetic to communism, but without wholesale nationalization of industry. Essentially, Democratic Socialism seeks Communism’s goal of “worker” control of industry through “legal”--i.e., state coercive--means. They are, in effect, practical Communists. They want to reach communistic goals through fascist means. It would not be inaccurate to describe Democratic Socialism as Red Fascism.
Is it possible to be both a Communist and a Fascist? Given that communism and fascism are, fundamentally, ideological fraternal twins, the answer is absolutely. As proof, I give you the Democratic Socialists.
Related answers from me:
Can a fascist be a capitalist?
Why do fascism and communism often go hand in hand when they are philosophically polar opposites?
Is fascism a form of capitalism?’
Can a communist society include capitalists?
Related Reading:
Criminal Socialism vs. a Free Society
Socialism's Totalitarian Nature Cannot Be Obscured by 'Democratic Socialism'
Sanders' Brand of Socialism is Old Fashioned Fascism
A is A, and Socialism by any Other Name...
We Need a Deeper Understanding of Socialism
1 comment:
"Superficially, no. Essentially, yes." True. Communists and fascists are essentially the same in that both are socialist. They're superficially different in that communists take over ownership and control, and fascists take over control only.
Communists own everything and control all generalities and all details.
Fascists only control, leaving ownership, and therefore responsibility, to private entities. It's also up to private entities to decide on details. Control means, here, setting all the objectives. The private owners, as per their responsibilities, must attend to the details in a way that works toward the objectives to whatever changing degree set by the fascist rulers.
That's the big picture of their similarities and differences. Fascism is more effective, long term. Communists ruled the U.S.S.R. for about 75 years. That'll be a few seconds to fascists if they are not stopped and nailed permanently.
Perhaps my comment, here, is a near verbatim quote of some things said in this article. I'll now read the article to see, and also to learn details I might find useful to know.
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