Crypto-Fascism and Deliberate Memetic Subversion

This post is somewhat of a response to Lyle Cuevas’ post, “Can Memes be Hate Symbols? (Debate),” as it touches upon similar topics but also has its own separate points such that it was inappropriate to post as a comment. Lyle discussed briefly the group known as the “Alt-Right,” an internet-based group that uses meme culture to spread radical right wing ideology. They will be the focus of this post. To understand the Alt-Right we need to understand the multifaceted phenomena of crypto-fascism. I am sure you are all aware of what fascism is, but just in case, fascism is a political ideology typically characterized by ultranationalistic, totalitarian policy designed to elevate a particular group (often the “natives” of a region) over other ethnic minorities. Crypto-fascism is, of course, an iteration of this worldview. It is distinct from typical fascism insofar as it is uniquely tailored to the modern era and the intricacies of the Internet. 

Why would fascism need to adapt itself to today’s age, you might ask? It was highly successful among multiple early 20th century European nations, so why would it be ineffective now? Well, in the 20th century, nearly every fascistic regime collapsed due to pressures from the outside majority of democratic nations in WWII. Since then, holding such a view is a practical social suicide; global culture has pushed fascist sentiments into a state of extreme taboo. To openly claim oneself as belonging to this ideology is to be ostracized and associated with organizations such as the Nazis of Germany and the National Fascist Party of Italy (rightfully so, of course). Such associations are extremely undesirable for any seeking to convert others into fascism since, excluding other fascists, the overwhelming majority of the world hold the Nazis and their ilk in deep contempt. The detriment to their political campaigns would be too much to endure if they attempted to continue on the legacy of early 20th century fascists. So, in order to survive in today’s political climate, fascists needed to adapt their beliefs… or at the very least, the way they presented them.

What many are unaware of is that they have done exactly this, very successfully and covertly over the last few years. With the utilization of many subtly deceiving methods of bad faith argument, the fascists have evolved their platform to compensate for the age of technology. The primary shift that has occurred is their rebranding into a phrase I’m sure you are more familiar with, “white nationalist” or “white identitarian.” They soften the initial perception of their ideology by disconnecting from the stigmatized label of fascist. The way they convert people is by presenting their ideas gradually, beginning with simple issues that they phrase as “common sense.” Once they are able to get someone on board with a few neutral ideas, be it on immigration restriction or economic policy, they begin to push the person further towards them by presenting more extreme views. To those thinking this is mere speculation, many reports from inside crypto-fascist groups have been revealed of them instructing their followers on how to apply this strategy.
One of the other most important ways crypto-fascists present their ideas is through comedy. The attitude most people take (including Lyle and those who commented on his post) is that memes are harmless bits of fun, a sort of internet inside joke that can be adapted and shared in creative ways. I also share this opinion of them. However, this view is what the subliminal propaganda that crypto-fascist networks create is centered upon. Crypto-fascists might share memes joking about how idiotic people of color are or the greed of Jewish people. When pressed on these topics, they’ll assure the person that it is only a joke. They’ll accuse someone of taking a meme too seriously or being a social justice warrior if they continue to call them out. Grouping someone opposing their bigotry with the radical feminists many on the internet are not fond of delegitimizes their opinion and makes opposition to their “harmless memes” make one look like a buzzkill or party-pooper. As the crypto-fascists continually send these memes, many begin to unconsciously believe the message they are based on. The meme discussed in Lyle’s post, Pepe the Frog, is of course not a racist symbol. But crypto-fascists will use him frequently as they espouse their radical beliefs. Many begin to associate Pepe and these views, and for those that see Pepe as a harmless meme, their perspective towards these beliefs potentially soften.
I am by no means saying that one can’t enjoy Pepe the Frog or other memes that crypto-fascists may happen to use. I simply urge a sense of caution that you don’t fall into the traps they attempt to set up for you. What do you all think about this topic? Such dangers are a fascinatingly unique issue our generation has encountered with the Internet. How do you think we can deal with these new problems? -Tyler Brunson