What Makes Someone a Nazi and How They Become That Way
The term lsquo;Nazirsquo; is often associated with individuals who follow the ideologies of National Socialism, a political and social movement prevalent in early 20th century Germany. However, it can be used more broadly to describe individuals who espouse similar ideologies or beliefs, often characterized by extreme ethno-nationalism, racial superiority, and anti-Semitism.
Worldview and Ideology
Nazism is rooted in a specific set of core beliefs and worldview that includes extreme ethno-nationalism, racial superiority, and extreme anti-Semitism. When I say lsquo;extremersquo;, it implies an unhealthy level or obsessive fixation. This ideology posits that the Aryan race is superior while other races, particularly Jews, are considered inferior and a threat to society. This belief in racial hierarchy and anti-Semitism is a fundamental aspect of Nazi ideology, serving as a cornerstone for many of the party's policies and actions.
In Nazi Germany, Jews were scapegoated for Germanyrsquo;s social, economic, and political problems, especially after World War I and during the Great Depression. This made anti-Semitism a central tenet of Nazi ideology, and propaganda played a significant role in shaping these views. The Nazi propaganda machine worked tirelessly to instill hatred toward Jews, often successfully brainwashing the masses.
Path to Becoming a Nazi
Many individuals who became Nazis were influenced by the prevailing attitudes in society, including widespread anti-Semitic beliefs, ethno-nationalistic sentiments, and economic hardship. However, it is not just about ideological conformity; many joined the Nazi Party for a sense of belonging or identity during a time of societal upheaval. The party provided them with a strong sense of community and purpose, often through the concept of Volksgemeinschaft (people's community).
Some individuals might not express overt hatred toward Jews, but their actions and beliefs still align with the core principles of Nazism, which inherently includes extreme anti-Semitism.
Identifying Fascism and its Variants
Outside of the obvious identification, anyone who identifies as or associates with Nazis, yoursquo;ll find that the underlying causes and beliefs are complex. The essential question you should ask is what makes a fascist, a fascist. Fascism goes beyond pure nationalism or even hatred for a specific group. Itrsquo;s about the belief that all of your problems can be blamed on a specific people or race.
I wouldnrsquo;t focus solely on the nationalistic element, as most fascists use hyper-patriotism as a cover for their hatred. Many fascists donrsquo;t particularly care about the people in their country, focusing instead on blaming a specific group for societal issues. Additionally, itrsquo;s important to note that anyone who associates with a fascist is also a fascist. If they support or advance the cause of fascism in any way, they share the same ideologies and beliefs.
At the end of the day, whether or not a personrsquo;s actions knowingly or unknowingly advance the cause of fascism, they are considered fascist. The key is not their heart or mind, but their actions and the impact they have on society.
Conclusion
Understanding the root causes and pathways to adopting extreme ideologies is crucial for combating such beliefs and behaviors. By exploring the core beliefs, societal influences, and the broader spectrum of ideological extremism, we can better equip ourselves to mitigate the rise and spread of extremist ideologies.