The 'Fascist' Violence Trilemma

Updated: 2025.10.10 11D ago 1 sources
You cannot simultaneously claim that many Americans are fascists, that violence against fascists is acceptable, and that political violence in America is morally impermissible. If we want to preserve the anti‑violence norm while allowing frank descriptions of ideology, we must reject the notion that labeling someone 'fascist' licenses harm. — It clarifies how political labels interact with violence norms, urging rhetoric that doesn’t inadvertently legitimize domestic political violence.

Sources

Fascism Can't Mean Both A Specific Ideology And A Legitimate Target
Scott Alexander 2025.10.10 100% relevant
The author’s three‑part logical conflict—applied to Gavin Newsom’s 'fascist' jab at Stephen Miller and cultural slogans about 'killing fascists.'
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