Umberto Ecos Fourteen Ways of Looking at a Black Shirt Reflection and Response The Blackshirts were established in 1919

by Benito Mussolini as a military branch of his fascist government. The para-military group was originally known as the sqaudristi but evolved into a more formal group in 1923, renamed the Voluntary Militia for National Security. As Mussolinis power grew, so did the violent and oppressive tendencies of the Blackshirts, who often intimidated anyone who opposed Mussolini. Umberto Eco explains the elements which lead to fascist ideals and how to avoid such happenings in modern society. Eco mentions traditionalism, modernity, nationalistic ideations, lack of education, and the creation of the hero. The development of traditionalism in fascist societies starts as a cult of tradition, which emphasizes the lack of advancement in learning. Syncretism is also another important aspect in promoting the traditional mindset. Syncretism is an amalgamation of different belief structures which often include contradictory beliefs and practices. Anything outside of these established beliefs is not considered traditional, and thus the need to question is irrelevant, leading to the rejection of modern times. As contradictory as it may seem, Fascists and Nazis both promoted tradition while at the same time formulated rejection of modernism. The rejection of modernism goes hand in hand with Futurism, as an art style and philosophy. Futurism embraces technology, speed, youth and violence. Eco adds that in order for the fascist ideal to flourish there must be forward thinking irrationalism. These ideas perpetuate the rejection of modernity and promote capitalistic practices, and for those within the cult of tradition to act simply for actions sake. To act for the sake of action is looked upon as something beautiful, with foresight emasculating, or removing the manhood of the thinker. These views stemmed from fascist intellectuals who demeaned the liberal intelligentsia who disagreed with the preferred form of government and political ideology. Those who are deemed educated, or intellectual, are

often labeled as Communists, as "universities are nests of reds." This tactic was used to discredit and alienate those with opposing views, or anyone who questions the methods of the peoples in power. Diversity in itself becomes a threat to those in power thus, disagreement is treason. It is easy to control a populace that excludes those who do not believe as they do. Creating a nationalistic identity allows society to persecute and degrade those who do not conform. Diversity would develop critical thinking and not allow for such violent atrocities to those who are of a different political, economic, or racial classification. The middle-class of a society would be the most susceptible to violence, racism and exclusionary behavior, with fascism exploiting their woes. The worries of a hungry lower class would inspire hatred from middle classes who strive to be economically superior. The air of economic and cultural superiority would be easily used as leverage on those susceptible to advertising in movies, propaganda, and various print mediums. It is also likely that the middleclass would be the most unified, creating a solidarity based on economic status, creating a nationalistic identity, lacking a unity with society as a whole. For those who lack a clear social identity, fascist ideation would push the ideal of nationalism and exclusion. To create an us and them mentality is highly divisive, and often promotes violence against the other. With an identification and classification, those caught in the snares of a fascist societal order can visualize their enemy, and thus degrade as nationalism dictates. To exclude those who would be threatening to such an identity is seen as a duty, as a good citizen. The threatening enemy and the populace would be further exploited by purporting the feelings that the enemy can be overcome. However, the case would be made, that the enemy is more prominent, because they have exploited the nationalistic norm the enemies are at the same time too strong and too weak. Lacking objectivity, this extremist viewpoint creates a prejudicial view of those opposed to the regime. This poor evaluation of their enemy places the fascist power holders at a strategic disadvantage. The duality of the strong and yet weak enemy creates a nation constantly in conflict. Pacifism or non-violent approaches do not allow for the permanent defeat of an enemy, lacking a

final solution. Pacifism is seen as a weakness, and as such, those who are weak deserve a shepherd and require a leader. Since power is obtained through non democratic means, increasing political status relies on the weakness of the individual. There is no room to negotiate or mediate in such an environment which invites persecution until the focus of battle is vanquished. In the process of eliminating the enemy of the state, any and all costs justify the end result. To die in the service of the nation is of high regard and seen as an act of heroism. The exaltation of death in service of the state creates a cult of death, which formulates a disregard for existence of the self and the enemy. Life extinguished for the greater cause of a nationalist agenda is more probable, with lives deemed expendable. Human value is weighed based on how it relates to the usefulness to the state. In creating a useful hero the building of a warrior must be done. The use of weapons and violence as a form of conflict resolution becomes imminent. A lack of education and newspeak furthers the lack of communication within social classes as well as interpersonal relationships. Violence, lack of education, and miscommunication often lead to violence and gender issues. The formulation of machismo develops and a lack of respect towards women and those less physically capable arises. The lack of education also creates a homophobic and unaccepting mentality towards those of different genders and sexual orientations. Newspeak is using overly simplistic or elementary terms in order to keep the vocabulary of a population limited. Newspeak in advertising and educational materials further promotes separatist and racist tendencies by diminishing the capabilities of the reader, preventing critical thinking skills. If a population does not have access to adequate educational and news materials they cannot question what they are not aware of. Foresight, intellectual endeavors and questioning of the state within a fascist regime is prohibited, and seen as a threat to the status quo. With thinking and pacifism seen as a weakness, those lacking a personal and societal identity can be manipulated into rejecting these ideals. When violence, nationalism, sexism, and persecution are allowed to flourish those who feed of the weakness of others will prevail. Only through education, acceptance of others, and critical

thinking skills can the will of the people be heard. These are not simple tasks but when something is right, then something is worth to try for.