Many North Americans are already psychologically disposed to support fascist overthrow

Evidence

The so-called psychology of fascism is largely engendered by manipulation. Rationally calculated techniques bring about what is naively regarded as the ‘natural’ irrationality of masses. This insight may help us to solve the problem of whether fascism as a mass phenomenon can be explained at all in psychological terms. While there certainly exists potential susceptibility for fascism among the masses, it is equally certain that the manipulation of the unconscious, the kind of suggestion explained by Freud in genetic terms, is indispensable for actualization of this potential. This, however, corroborates the assumption that fascism as such is not a psychological issue and that any attempt to understand its roots and its historical role in psychological terms still remains on the level of ideologies such as the one of ‘irrational forces’ promoted by fascism itself. Although the fascist agitator doubtlessly takes up certain tendencies within those he addresses, he does so as the mandatory of powerful economic and political interests. Psychological dispositions do not actually cause fascism; rather, fascism defines a psychological area which can be successfully exploited by the forces which promote it for entirely non-psychological reasons of self-interest. — Theodor W. Adorno, The Culture Industry, 206 (#complicates, via linked claim)

The rise of the religious right should be cause for alarm among all who care about the future of democracy in America. Yet it should not be the cause of despair. If Christian nationalism is a pathology rooted in America’s past, as I have argued, so, too, may the cure draw in important ways from our history. Overcoming this kind of reactionary and authoritarian movement isn’t just something Americans can do; it is what has made Americans what we are. — Katherine Stewart, The Power Worshippers, 1065 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Fascist sympathy in democracies is a willingness to see democracy destroyed — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 125; America has repeatedly overcome reactionary authoritarian movements before — Katherine Stewart, The Power Worshippers: Inside the…, 1065; Fascism exploits psychological tendencies rather than being caused by them. — Theodor W. Adorno, The Culture Industry: Selected Essays…, 206 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Fascism exploits psychological tendencies rather than being caused by them. #complicates (0.82) — Theodor W. Adorno, The Culture Industry, 206
• America has repeatedly overcome reactionary authoritarian movements before #complicates (0.80) — Katherine Stewart, The Power Worshippers, 1065