Late Fascism and Gramsci: How Governments Manipulate Consent Through the Promise of Force
The notion that hegemony can be maintained by wielding violence against a targeted population is a disturbing trend that has been observed in the United States. This phenomenon is exemplified by the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the fervor surrounding mass deportation. The 2024 Republican Convention, where attendees openly called for "Mass deportation now," highlights the alarming normalization of such rhetoric. This campaign promise, which garnered significant support, underscores the ways in which violence and coercion can be used to maintain social order and reinforce existing power structures. Furthermore, the fact that 77 million people voted for Trump, who campaigned on a platform that included such promises, raises important questions about the role of consent and coercion in shaping US civil society. The intersection of racism, xenophobia, and nationalism in Trump's platform has significant implications for understanding the dynamics of hegemony and domination in contemporary America. As Gramsci's work suggests, the reliance on coercion and violence is often a symptom of a flagging hegemony, and the current state of US politics may be indicative of a deeper crisis of legitimacy and consent.
The production of consent through promises of state violence against targeted populations has been a recurring theme in US politics, evident in campaigns dating back to Nixon's "law and order" rhetoric. This tactic involves gaining popular consent by promising to exercise force against a racialized and proletarianized population, such as black urban workers or migrant workers. The use of ICE raids in workplaces, like those conducted at Home Depots and factories, exemplifies this form of class warfare, where militarized forces abduct and deport people. This phenomenon can be seen as a contemporary form of fascisation or authoritarian populism, where consent is gained by promising force or domination against internal or external "others."
The emergence of neoliberalism, marked by the electoral victories of Thatcher and Reagan, was premised on racialized moral panics around crime, a pattern that has continued with Democrats like Clinton. The prison industrial complex is often made invisible, but at times it is made hypervisible, creating a surreal atmosphere where the logic of exercising force against perceived threats is perpetuated. Even in areas with decreasing crime rates, the narrative of lawlessness and rising criminality is maintained to justify the use of force.
This narrative relies on vilifying certain groups, creating a connection between the livelihood of citizens and the perceived threat posed by these groups. For instance, immigrants are often portrayed as taking jobs away from citizens, making it acceptable to take action against them. The media plays a significant role in perpetuating this narrative, and Gramsci's concept of common sense helps explain why the mainstream press often collaborates with the dominant ideology.
According to Gramsci, common sense refers to the materiality of ideology, including the economics and infrastructure that shape people's visions, ideas, and beliefs. A cultural revolution is necessary to form new kinds of common sense, making alternative ideas not just popular but lived. Gramsci believed that journalism played a crucial role in distributing and forming consciousness, and his own practice as a journalist and editor reflects this. The idea that the media is not neutral terrain is essential to understanding the necessity of alternative journalists today, who can challenge the dominant narrative and promote a more nuanced understanding of the issues.
The challenge lies in transforming these inchoate ideas into a cohesive and directed political movement, one that can effectively counter the dominant narratives perpetuated by the media and those in power. Gramsci's emphasis on the importance of political education and the role of journalism in shaping public opinion is particularly relevant in this context. By providing a platform for marginalized voices and promoting critical thinking, alternative media outlets can play a crucial role in fostering a more nuanced understanding of social and economic issues.
The fact that many young people are expressing support for socialist ideals, despite being constantly bombarded with pro-capitalist messages, suggests that there is a growing appetite for alternative perspectives. However, this sentiment must be nurtured and channeled into concrete action, which requires a deep understanding of the complexities of the issues at hand. It is here that the role of political journalism becomes paramount, as it can provide the necessary framework for analyzing and interpreting the world, and for identifying potential paths forward.
Gramsci's concept of common sense highlights the need to engage with people's everyday experiences and concerns, rather than simply presenting them with abstract ideologies or dogma. By doing so, it becomes possible to build a more inclusive and participatory form of politics, one that is rooted in the lived realities of ordinary people. This, in turn, can help to create a sense of collective purpose and direction, which is essential for building a successful social movement.
The task of transforming common sense into a political movement requires a multifaceted approach, one that combines grassroots organizing, critical education, and strategic communication. It involves creating spaces for dialogue and debate, where people can share their experiences and ideas, and where they can begin to build a shared understanding of the world and their place within it. Ultimately, the goal is to create a new kind of common sense, one that is rooted in the values of solidarity, equality, and justice, and that can provide a foundation for a more democratic and equitable society.
The decline of US hegemony within global capitalism has significant implications for the modern day abolition and civil rights movement. As the US struggles to maintain its dominance, its actions both internally and externally become more aggressive, reflecting a practice of domination without hegemony. This is evident in its participation in international conflicts, such as the genocide in Gaza, and its efforts to normalize the exercise of domination at home, including the use of ICE and border patrol to silence dissent and victimize racialized workers and migrants.
The pessimism of the intellect is warranted when considering the long history of US decline, which has been ongoing since the mid-1970s. The fact that a particular order of domination is dying does not necessarily imply a rosy future, and the specter of barbarism or socialism is always present. However, the optimism of the will comes from recognizing that this creates new possibilities for organization, resistance, and the development of alternative forms of common sense.
The fact that people are no longer treating American domination as common sense is a significant shift, as evident in a recent global poll where the US was viewed as the greatest danger to world peace, even by its own citizens. This creates opportunities for critiques of dominant ideologies, such as Zionism and Israeli apartheid, to become more mainstream, particularly among young people. Nevertheless, it is crucial to approach these developments with a sober sense of reality, recognizing that there is no guarantee of a positive outcome and that continued effort and organization are necessary to shape a more just and equitable future.
Mansa Musa, a 70-year-old social activist and former Black Panther, has dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality. After serving 48 years, nine months, and five days in prison, he was released on December 5, 2019. Musa currently co-hosts the show Rattling the Bars, where he continues to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities and sheds light on the injustices faced by those behind bars. His unique perspective and experience have made him a powerful voice in the ongoing struggle for social justice and human rights.
The production of consent through promises of state violence against targeted populations has been a recurring theme in US politics, evident in campaigns dating back to Nixon's "law and order" rhetoric. This tactic involves gaining popular consent by promising to exercise force against a racialized and proletarianized population, such as black urban workers or migrant workers. The use of ICE raids in workplaces, like those conducted at Home Depots and factories, exemplifies this form of class warfare, where militarized forces abduct and deport people. This phenomenon can be seen as a contemporary form of fascisation or authoritarian populism, where consent is gained by promising force or domination against internal or external "others."
The emergence of neoliberalism, marked by the electoral victories of Thatcher and Reagan, was premised on racialized moral panics around crime, a pattern that has continued with Democrats like Clinton. The prison industrial complex is often made invisible, but at times it is made hypervisible, creating a surreal atmosphere where the logic of exercising force against perceived threats is perpetuated. Even in areas with decreasing crime rates, the narrative of lawlessness and rising criminality is maintained to justify the use of force.
This narrative relies on vilifying certain groups, creating a connection between the livelihood of citizens and the perceived threat posed by these groups. For instance, immigrants are often portrayed as taking jobs away from citizens, making it acceptable to take action against them. The media plays a significant role in perpetuating this narrative, and Gramsci's concept of common sense helps explain why the mainstream press often collaborates with the dominant ideology.
According to Gramsci, common sense refers to the materiality of ideology, including the economics and infrastructure that shape people's visions, ideas, and beliefs. A cultural revolution is necessary to form new kinds of common sense, making alternative ideas not just popular but lived. Gramsci believed that journalism played a crucial role in distributing and forming consciousness, and his own practice as a journalist and editor reflects this. The idea that the media is not neutral terrain is essential to understanding the necessity of alternative journalists today, who can challenge the dominant narrative and promote a more nuanced understanding of the issues.
The challenge lies in transforming these inchoate ideas into a cohesive and directed political movement, one that can effectively counter the dominant narratives perpetuated by the media and those in power. Gramsci's emphasis on the importance of political education and the role of journalism in shaping public opinion is particularly relevant in this context. By providing a platform for marginalized voices and promoting critical thinking, alternative media outlets can play a crucial role in fostering a more nuanced understanding of social and economic issues.
The fact that many young people are expressing support for socialist ideals, despite being constantly bombarded with pro-capitalist messages, suggests that there is a growing appetite for alternative perspectives. However, this sentiment must be nurtured and channeled into concrete action, which requires a deep understanding of the complexities of the issues at hand. It is here that the role of political journalism becomes paramount, as it can provide the necessary framework for analyzing and interpreting the world, and for identifying potential paths forward.
Gramsci's concept of common sense highlights the need to engage with people's everyday experiences and concerns, rather than simply presenting them with abstract ideologies or dogma. By doing so, it becomes possible to build a more inclusive and participatory form of politics, one that is rooted in the lived realities of ordinary people. This, in turn, can help to create a sense of collective purpose and direction, which is essential for building a successful social movement.
The task of transforming common sense into a political movement requires a multifaceted approach, one that combines grassroots organizing, critical education, and strategic communication. It involves creating spaces for dialogue and debate, where people can share their experiences and ideas, and where they can begin to build a shared understanding of the world and their place within it. Ultimately, the goal is to create a new kind of common sense, one that is rooted in the values of solidarity, equality, and justice, and that can provide a foundation for a more democratic and equitable society.
The decline of US hegemony within global capitalism has significant implications for the modern day abolition and civil rights movement. As the US struggles to maintain its dominance, its actions both internally and externally become more aggressive, reflecting a practice of domination without hegemony. This is evident in its participation in international conflicts, such as the genocide in Gaza, and its efforts to normalize the exercise of domination at home, including the use of ICE and border patrol to silence dissent and victimize racialized workers and migrants.
The pessimism of the intellect is warranted when considering the long history of US decline, which has been ongoing since the mid-1970s. The fact that a particular order of domination is dying does not necessarily imply a rosy future, and the specter of barbarism or socialism is always present. However, the optimism of the will comes from recognizing that this creates new possibilities for organization, resistance, and the development of alternative forms of common sense.
The fact that people are no longer treating American domination as common sense is a significant shift, as evident in a recent global poll where the US was viewed as the greatest danger to world peace, even by its own citizens. This creates opportunities for critiques of dominant ideologies, such as Zionism and Israeli apartheid, to become more mainstream, particularly among young people. Nevertheless, it is crucial to approach these developments with a sober sense of reality, recognizing that there is no guarantee of a positive outcome and that continued effort and organization are necessary to shape a more just and equitable future.
Mansa Musa, a 70-year-old social activist and former Black Panther, has dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality. After serving 48 years, nine months, and five days in prison, he was released on December 5, 2019. Musa currently co-hosts the show Rattling the Bars, where he continues to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities and sheds light on the injustices faced by those behind bars. His unique perspective and experience have made him a powerful voice in the ongoing struggle for social justice and human rights.
News, Global