Ur-Fascism | Umberto Eco | The New York Review of Books

Umberto Eco's Analysis of Ur-Fascism

Umberto Eco's essay, "Ur-Fascism," published in The New York Review of Books, delves into the nature of fascism, arguing that while specific fascist regimes may disappear, the underlying ideology and tendencies persist. He uses his personal experiences during World War II in Italy to ground his analysis.

Key Characteristics of Ur-Fascism

• Cult of Tradition: A rejection of modernism and embrace of a syncretic, contradictory belief system that resists progress.
• Rejection of Modernism: A distrust of the Enlightenment and the Age of Reason, viewing them as the source of modern depravity.
• Cult of Action: Prioritizing action over reflection, distrusting intellectualism and critical thinking.
• Rejection of Disagreement: Viewing dissent as treason and suppressing diverse viewpoints.
• Racism: Exploiting the fear of difference and promoting xenophobia.
• Appeal to Frustration: Targeting a frustrated middle class experiencing economic hardship or political humiliation.
• Nationalism: Emphasizing national identity and fostering a sense of being besieged by internal and external enemies.
• Obsession with a Plot: Believing in a conspiracy against the nation, often involving scapegoats like Jews.
• Cult of Heroism and Death: Glorifying war and heroic death, often at the expense of others.
• Machismo: Exhibiting disdain for women and intolerance of non-standard sexual behaviors.
• Selective Populism: Presenting the “common will” as a monolithic entity, bypassing democratic processes.
• Newspeak: Employing simplified language to limit critical thinking and control information.

Eco concludes that fascism is not a fixed ideology but a collection of features that can combine in various ways, making it adaptable and capable of disguising itself. He urges vigilance against its resurgence, emphasizing the ongoing need for freedom and liberation.