One Man’s Fascist is Another Man’s Hero

“The great masses of the people will more easily fall victims to a big lie than to a small one.” – Adolf Hitler

This is an image of Charlie Chaplin in “The Great Dictator”  Charlie was also not a Fascist

This chilling statement from the world’s most infamous fascist, Adolf Hitler, serves as a stark reminder of how easily words and ideologies can be manipulated. Today, the word “fascist” is thrown around carelessly in political debates, often without a true understanding of its meaning. In a world where constant political conflict feels like the norm, we must take a moment to reflect on whether we’re truly confronting fascism—or simply falling victim to the big lie of political rhetoric.

Let’s be real—politics these days is a mess. Especially in America, it feels like we’re living in a never-ending election cycle. Every two years, Congress is back on the ballot, and every four years, the White House is up for grabs. And in between? Well, it’s just non-stop campaigning. Candidates are more focused on their next win than actually running the country. Meanwhile, the rest of us sit back and wonder: has any politician in recent memory done something that truly helps me, my family, or my community? I’m not so sure.

Instead, it seems like they all get rich, start wars, and hop on planes for luxurious weekend getaways while telling the rest of us how to behave. And in the middle of all this confusion, we hear words like “fascist” tossed around like they’re just another adjective. But do people even know what the word means anymore? And when they call someone a fascist, is that really what’s going on—or are they just throwing a verbal grenade?

I was a lifelong Democrat before becoming an independent, so trust me, I’ve seen how both sides are quick to slap labels on each other. But when people start calling someone a fascist, it makes me stop and ask: do they even know what they’re talking about? Or are they using it as a catch-all for anyone they disagree with? So let’s break it down—what is a fascist, really? And why is everyone so eager to accuse their political opponents of being one?

What is Fascism, Anyway?

To put it simply, fascism is a far-right, authoritarian ideology that prioritizes the state over the individual. It thrives on ultranationalism, strict regimentation, and a totalitarian leader. The term first popped up in Italy under Benito Mussolini in the 1920s. His idea of fascism was all about glorifying the state and squashing any form of opposition. Everything—from the economy to the media—had to align with the state’s goals, and any dissent was dealt with through force.

Of course, we can’t talk about fascism without mentioning Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. Hitler took Mussolini’s ideas and ran with them—into the most horrific, violent regime in modern history. Both men oversaw brutal dictatorships that led to war, genocide, and the complete erosion of democratic freedoms.

So, when we talk about real fascists, we’re talking about dictators who completely controlled every aspect of life and used their power to oppress, kill, and destroy. Mussolini, Hitler, and Francisco Franco in Spain were the textbook examples of what fascism looks like when it takes over a country.

The Problem with Misusing “Fascist”

Fast forward to today, and it seems like every time someone takes a stance someone else doesn’t like, they get called a fascist. But here’s the thing—just because someone is right-wing, or populist, or nationalist doesn’t automatically make them a fascist. Fascism is a specific ideology, and it’s not the same thing as being a strong leader or advocating for national interests. But in today’s political climate, nuance has taken a backseat to name-calling.

We throw around terms like “fascist” so easily these days, as if anyone with a different political view is suddenly Mussolini reincarnated. It’s lazy. It’s inaccurate. And it’s not helping us actually solve the very real problems that our societies are facing.

Take Alternative for Germany (AfD), for example. They’re a right-wing party in Germany that’s been gaining traction, and people have been quick to slap the “fascist” label on them. But is that fair? Well, let’s dig into it.

Is the AfD Really Fascist?

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was founded in 2013 as a Eurosceptic group, but they’ve shifted their focus to immigration, national identity, and protecting what they see as traditional German values. They argue that globalization and mass immigration are threatening Germany’s cultural identity, and they want to defend it. Critics, of course, say they’re xenophobic and nationalist.

But are they actual fascists? That’s where things get tricky. While the AfD certainly leans into some nationalist rhetoric that feels a bit uncomfortable, they haven’t called for a totalitarian state or started banning free speech. So, throwing them in the same category as Hitler’s Nazis? That’s a stretch. Yes, they’re controversial. Yes, some of their language is troubling. But fascists? Not quite.

Germany, a country with a dark history of fascism, takes these accusations seriously—and for good reason. But the AfD isn’t goose-stepping toward dictatorship. At least, not yet.

Similarities in the U.S.

Now, let’s look at America, where everyone seems to be accusing their political opponents of fascism. Whether it’s Trump supporters being labeled fascists for their nationalist stance, or the left being called fascists for their attempts to control certain narratives—it’s become a free-for-all of name-calling.

Sure, there are behaviors today that might remind us of historical fascists:

• Charismatic leaders who prioritize the nation’s power above all else.
• Attacks on the free press, labeling it the “enemy of the people.”
• A culture of fear and division, where the nation is portrayed as constantly under threat from “others.”
• Rhetoric that encourages violence, even if it’s just implied.

But just because someone criticizes the media or supports strong borders doesn’t mean they’re the next Mussolini. Fascism is a whole different animal, and throwing the word around without thought only muddles the conversation.

Is Fascism Really a Threat Today?

You’ll hear some folks say fascism is making a comeback in places like Italy, Hungary, and even the U.S. Sure, nationalist and populist movements are growing, but fascism? Not quite. What we’re really seeing is a lot of opportunistic politicians exploiting fears about immigration, national identity, and globalization for their own benefit. That doesn’t mean we should ignore the warning signs, but let’s be real—most of these folks aren’t trying to start a new world war or round up dissidents. They’re just playing the political game to get ahead.

Take a Step Back

Here’s the bottom line: calling someone a fascist is a serious accusation, and it’s one that shouldn’t be made lightly. Before you slap that label on someone, take a moment to consider what the word actually means. Are they truly advocating for a dictatorship, or are they just another politician pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable?

We live in a time where political battles are designed to keep us in a constant state of conflict, distracting us from the bigger issues. Maybe instead of hurling insults, we should take a step back, turn down the noise, and try to understand the real forces at play. After all, one man’s fascist is another man’s hero—but that doesn’t mean we have to live in a world of perpetual name-calling.