• Title: How to Spot a Fascist
• Author: Umberto Eco
• Genre/Subject: Political commentary
• Publisher: Harvill
• Publication Date: 2020
• Start date: 9/12/23
• Finish date: 9/13/2023

Review:

This was less of a book, more of a booklet. It contained three essays or speeches from Umberto Eco regarding the elusive fascism. Elusive as in we hear it used every day, but it’s difficult for most of us to define.

In the first essay he outlines 14 points of commonality with all fascist groups or fascist political parties. While I won’t list them all here they include: the cult of tradition, rejection of criticism, obsession with conspiracies, and the creation of an US versus THEM mentality.

The second essay reflects on the issue of censorship by noise. In other words when everyone is screaming, then how can anyone be heard? How to separate the data from the internet white noise and disinformation?

The third essay considers what it means to be European. Eliminating racism while retaining cultural identity. This one would be problematic for the radical left and social justice warriors if published today. Get out the torches and pitchforks.

This was excellent, erudite and incredibly relevant in 2023.