By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A viral exchange from a recent debate between Mehdi Hasan and a self-proclaimed fascist is raising concerns about the state of public discourse. The participant expressed a desire for a “benevolent” autocrat and admitted to being a fascist, highlighting disturbing views on government. Experts emphasize the dangers of such beliefs, particularly the misguided notion that an autocrat wouldn’t harm supporters. The prevalence of these views and the debate format itself raise questions about the value of platforming such extreme ideologies and their potential impact on the public discourse.
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This Viral Debate Clip Highlights A Scary Reality About Today’s Conservatives
The most disturbing takeaway from the viral debate clip, and the surrounding online commentary, is the casual acceptance of fascism among a segment of today’s conservatives. The most striking moment, and the one that crystallized this reality, was when a participant declared, “I’m not going to be a part of the group that he kills.” This chilling statement isn’t just a throwaway line; it’s a chilling admission of a worldview where the potential for state-sanctioned violence is not only acknowledged but seemingly tolerated, as long as it doesn’t affect *them*.
It’s a dangerous game, this “Main Character” syndrome where individuals believe they’re somehow shielded from the consequences of the ideologies they espouse. History is filled with examples of those who thought they were part of the “in-group,” only to be discarded when it suited those in power. The constant churn of individuals within Donald Trump’s inner circle serves as a stark reminder of this reality. The lack of empathy, the willingness to sacrifice others for personal gain or ideological purity, is a defining characteristic of this dangerous trend.
The willingness to embrace fascism, even proudly proclaim it, is another unsettling aspect of this phenomenon. The enthusiasm with which some individuals donated to a “go fund me” campaign and the casual use of Hitler quotes further reveals the depths of this disturbing mindset. This isn’t a fringe element; it’s a movement that is growing, becoming more emboldened, and making its presence known in the public square.
The lack of critical thinking is the most dangerous aspect of the acceptance. When admitting to being a fascist elicits applause from the audience, it’s clear that critical thinking and intellectual honesty have been sacrificed at the altar of tribalism and ideological conformity. It seems that some of the participants, and perhaps a growing number of conservatives in general, have lost their ability to discern between the rhetoric and the reality of what fascism entails.
The rise of this extremism is fueled by the echo chambers of the internet. These digital spaces allow individuals to reinforce their biases and become increasingly detached from reality. This isolation breeds a dangerous form of radicalization, where empathy erodes, and dehumanization becomes commonplace. The most disturbing takeaway, the lack of empathy, is a clear indication that the rise of extremism is no accident.
There’s a fundamental misunderstanding of the true nature of conservatism. True conservatism is about preserving existing values, traditions, and institutions. It’s about stability, continuity, and incremental change. What we’re seeing today isn’t conservatism; it’s an attempt to transform America into an autocracy, to dismantle the very foundations of democracy.
The debate itself, despite its disturbing content, serves a crucial purpose. By shining a light on the extremism present in right-wing politics, it allows people to see the problem. It’s vital to expose these views and bring them into the light. Denying the existence of this problem or trying to silence these voices will not make it go away; it will only allow it to fester and grow. It’s like the saying, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” Recognizing this is the first step in preventing the spread of extremism.
The challenge for the rest of us is to confront this reality head-on. We cannot afford to be complacent or to pretend that these ideologies are simply “another side” of a legitimate debate. We must draw lines, condemn intolerance, and defend the values of an open and inclusive society. We must continue to call out the hate and not be silenced.
The real danger lies in the normalization of these views. That means no longer viewing the rhetoric as mere opinions, but recognizing them for what they are: a direct assault on democratic values. It’s time for an honest reckoning. It’s time to recognize that the problem is not just bad ideas, but a dangerous ideology gaining traction.