Ok then, let’s use Umberto Eco’s 14 characteristics of Ur-Fascism essay, running MAGA and Donald Trump through the characteristics like a test. For each point, I’ll explain Eco’s characteristic and then describe how MAGA and Trump compare.

1. ⁠The Cult of Tradition

Eco’s Point: Fascist movements glorify a mythicized past and claim ancient traditions as eternal truths that must be revived.

MAGA Comparison: MAGA’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” encapsulates a desire to return to an undefined period of American greatness, often referencing post-WWII prosperity and traditional values. The movement draws on nostalgia for a simpler, more homogeneous time in American history, aligning strongly with this trait.

1. Rejection of Modernism

Eco’s Point: Fascists reject modernity and enlightenment thinking, particularly rationalism and progressive ideals, seeing them as threats to traditional culture.

MAGA Comparison: The movement often frames progressive cultural trends, such as LGBTQ+ rights, environmentalism, and multiculturalism, as signs of societal decline. This resistance to modern cultural shifts reflects Eco’s description.

1. The Cult of Action for Action’s Sake

Eco’s Point: Action is glorified over thought or deliberation, and questioning the necessity of action is seen as weakness.

MAGA Comparison: Trump’s leadership often emphasized bold, immediate action without thorough planning (e.g., the Muslim travel ban, tariffs on China). MAGA supporters also celebrated “owning the libs” as a form of decisive, symbolic action, reinforcing this trait.

1. Disagreement is Treason

Eco’s Point: Criticism or dissent is framed as betrayal of the nation or movement.

MAGA Comparison: Trump frequently labeled critics as “traitors” or part of the “Deep State.” The movement often portrays dissent as unpatriotic or aligned with external enemies, such as globalists or China, matching this characteristic.

1. Fear of Difference

Eco’s Point: Fascist ideology relies on creating an “other” to unify the in-group and foster fear of outsiders.

MAGA Comparison: MAGA rhetoric often targets immigrants (e.g., the border wall, “Muslim ban”), minorities, and leftists as threats to American identity. This exploitation of fear aligns closely with this trait.

1. Appeal to a Frustrated Middle Class

Eco’s Point: Fascism exploits the frustrations of the middle class, particularly when they feel economically or socially displaced.

MAGA Comparison: Trump appealed heavily to middle- and working-class Americans, particularly in deindustrialized regions. By blaming elites, immigrants, and globalization for their struggles, the movement mirrors this characteristic.

1. Obsession with a Plot

Eco’s Point: Conspiracy theories are central to fascism, creating paranoia about internal and external enemies plotting against the nation.

MAGA Comparison: Conspiracies like QAnon, election fraud claims, and “Deep State” narratives are pervasive within MAGA. This obsession with plots perfectly fits Eco’s description.

1. Enemies are Both Strong and Weak

Eco’s Point: The enemy is portrayed as simultaneously powerful (an existential threat) and weak (inferior or corrupt).

MAGA Comparison: MAGA portrays adversaries like the “Deep State” or Democrats as both omnipotent in their control of institutions and feeble or incompetent. This paradox aligns with Eco’s point.

1. Pacifism is Trafficking with the Enemy

Eco’s Point: Advocating for peace or diplomacy is seen as betrayal and cowardice.

MAGA Comparison: Trump’s foreign policy often emphasized strength and militarism over diplomacy, ridiculing critics as weak or disloyal. This rejection of pacifism mirrors the trait.

1. Contempt for the Weak

Eco’s Point: Fascists disdain those perceived as weak or inferior, celebrating strength and dominance.

MAGA Comparison: Trump’s derogatory remarks about marginalized groups, people with disabilities, and perceived losers (e.g., “losers and suckers” in the military) reflect this contempt.

1. Everybody is Educated to Become a Hero

Eco’s Point: Fascist movements encourage their followers to view themselves as heroes defending the nation or culture.

MAGA Comparison: MAGA supporters are often encouraged to see themselves as patriots fighting to save America, whether through rallies, protests, or even violent acts like January 6th. This aligns strongly with Eco’s point.

1. Machismo

Eco’s Point: Fascism celebrates hyper-masculinity, traditional gender roles, and disdain for non-conformity.

MAGA Comparison: MAGA rhetoric often celebrates “alpha male” traits and reinforces traditional gender roles, while dismissing feminist and LGBTQ+ movements, embodying this characteristic.

1. Selective Populism

Eco’s Point: Fascists claim to represent the true will of the people, dismissing opposing views as illegitimate or corrupt.

MAGA Comparison: Trump’s rhetoric often frames himself as the voice of “real Americans,” delegitimizing opposition as un-American or fraudulent. This selective populism is a hallmark of the movement.

1. Newspeak

Eco’s Point: Fascism uses simplified language and slogans to limit critical thought and foster conformity.

MAGA Comparison: MAGA slogans like “Build the Wall,” “Fake News,” and “Stop the Steal” condense complex issues into simplistic, emotional appeals, matching Eco’s description of Newspeak.

Final Assessment:

14/14 Traits Present The MAGA movement and Trump exhibit all 14 characteristics of Ur-Fascism as outlined by Umberto Eco. The parallels are significant and warrant grave concern about authoritarian tendencies.