We hear a lot of terms thrown around loosely these days, which causes these words to lose their true impact and meaning and in turn, causes people to tune out when those terms are used. Let’s take a look at a few predominant ones.
FASCISM
Merriam-webster provides the two following definitions of fascism:
”1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
2: a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control.”
(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fascism)
One of the movement groups surging in power in our current political climate is ANTIFA. ANTIFA is supposed to be anti-fascist, but is the very definition of fascism. This “woke” liberal organization supposedly is supposed to be fighting fascism, racism, capitalism, and white supremacy, however it seems to me that they are more like cowards, terrorists, vandals, and hypocrites. A group that typically wears all black, brandishes weapons, covers their faces, and assaults the individuals whose opinions and/or practices disagrees with or contradicts their beliefs, and uses riots and threats of violence to prevent or obstruct events and speakers from happening or occurring are not heroes, nor are they anti-fascist. Instead, by “forcibly suppressing their opposition” (merriam-webster) ANTIFA‘s members endanger our physical safety and our right to free speech by silencing conservative voices and values.
RACISM
Trying to have a rational discussion with someone who supports liberal ideas and policies in today’s political climate is worse than banging your head against a brick wall. Currently most liberals recite the same talking points they hear from our political leaders in the Democratic Party and the main stream media. When you can successfully provide legitimate facts that prove their arguments to be wrong, many liberals often resort to calling the other person a racist. This is an extremely dangerous practice and is both irresponsible and reprehensible in my opinion. Those with conservative beliefs or who support conservative policies are often forced to maintain silence instead of speaking out because of the fear and stigma of being called a racist. It is the very reason I am not using my real name in a public forum. The liberal members of the current Democratic Party are not exactly rational or reasonable these days, and my very real fear is that someone who determines I am a racist because I disagree with them will find me and physically harm me. Thus, the real meaning of racism is twisted, undermined, and usurped.
So what is the real definition of racism? Merriam-webster currently defines racism as this:
”1: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2a: a doctrine or political program based on the assumption of racism and designed to execute its principles b: a political or social system founded on racism
3: racial prejudice or discrimination”
(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racism)
See, folks? Nowhere in the definition does it say that having a different opinion makes you a racist.
BIGOTRY
Lastly, according to merriam-webster, bigotry is defined as:
”1: obstinate or intolerant devotion to one's own opinions and prejudices : the state of mind of a bigot overcoming his own bigotry
2: acts or beliefs characteristic of a bigot.”
Hmmmm.....what modern day examples does this sound like? I’m sorry, but if I really have to explain this to you, then I think you have missed the point. I provided you with this cautious advice: be wary of those who cry out bigot or bigotry. In my experience the people who point the finger and accuse others of bigotry are, in fact, the bigots themselves.
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