Fascism 101: How to Recognize a Takeover
10 Unmistakable Signs We're Not in a Democracy Anymore
Fascism 101: How to Recognize a Takeover
(And What to Do Before It’s Too Late)
“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”
— Often attributed to Sinclair Lewis, truer than ever now.
This isn’t alarmism. It’s pattern recognition.
And once you see the pattern—you can’t unsee it.
10 Signs You’re Living Through a Fascist Takeover
1. Glorification of a Single Leader
“Only I can fix it.” — Donald J. Trump
Fascism begins with the myth of the strongman. A savior.
A man above the system. Trump doesn’t position himself as part of the government…he casts himself as the government.
His followers don’t defend policies…they defend him personally…no matter what he says or does. That’s not democracy. That’s idolatry.
2. Disdain for Institutions
Democracies rely on trust in systems—courts…elections…agencies.
Fascism erodes that trust until the only thing left standing is the leader’s word.
When every ruling is “rigged,” every audit is “deep state,” and every unfavorable result is “stolen,” it’s not just whining…it’s groundwork for authoritarianism.
3. Demonization of the Press
There’s a reason the First Amendment comes first.
The free press is the immune system of democracy.
When Trump calls journalists “enemies of the people,” it’s not a punchline…it’s a red flare. Mussolini…Hitler…Stalin—they all started by delegitimizing the press. Because when truth dies…control becomes easy.
4. Erosion of Voting Rights
You don’t need tanks in the street to kill democracy.
All you need is to make it harder for the people you fear to vote.
Voter ID laws…roll purges…felony disenfranchisement… polling site closures in Black communities…these are not bugs in the system. They’re features of fascism in disguise.
5. Militarization of Civil Life
When the military becomes a domestic political tool…democracy starts suffocating.
Trump’s threat to use the Insurrection Act on protestors…his 2020 Lafayette Square stunt with tear gas—those weren’t throwaway lines.
They were promises. And warnings.
6. Scapegoating Minorities
Fascism feeds on fear—and minorities become the fuel.
Trump launched his political career by demonizing Mexicans. He banned Muslims. He attacks trans Americans. He celebrates violence against immigrants. That’s not law and order. That’s targeted dehumanization…the oldest fascist trick in the book.
7. Control of the Narrative
The truth is no longer what can be proven—it’s what the leader says it is. Trump’s endless lies about election fraud…crime statistics…COVID…immigration... it’s not about being right.
It’s about dominating reality.
If he can convince people to reject what they see with their own eyes…he owns them.
8. Elimination of Political Opponents
From “lock her up” chants to encouraging investigations into Biden…Bragg…Fani Willis…and Letitia James—Trump doesn’t just want to win elections.
He wants to erase his opponents.
His agenda isn’t political competition…it’s political purging. The goal is not to persuade…it’s to eliminate.
9. Normalization of Violence
You don’t need death squads when you have a base willing to do the dirty work. Trump has egged on violence at rallies…defended the January 6 rioters…and pardoned political attackers.
Violence has become not just tolerated…but celebrated.
That line has been crossed… and democracy can’t stand on good intentions alone.
10. “Temporarily” Ignoring the Constitution
The most dangerous phrase in politics is “just this once.”
Trump floated the idea of suspending the Constitution to “fix” the 2020 election.
He sees checks and balances not as law…but as obstacles. Once a leader ignores the Constitution without consequences…the Constitution stops mattering.
Donald Trump has already done that…multiple times.
What You Can Do (Before It’s Illegal)
1. Educate Relentlessly
Fascism thrives in confusion. Your job is to clarify. Forward this guide. Print it. Post it. Use plain language. Make it impossible for anyone in your circle to say “I didn’t see it coming.” This isn’t just about being informed…it’s about making sure no one can claim ignorance as an alibi.
2. Sue and Support
Ultimately, the courts may not save us…but they can slow the machine. Lawsuits force discovery…depositions…and disclosure. Support groups like ACLU…Protect Democracy…and civil rights legal teams who are doing the grinding…unglamorous work of blocking fascism with paper…precedent…and process.
3. Vote—But Don’t Stop There
Voting is the floor…not the ceiling. Get five new voters registered. Drive them to the polls. Help them navigate barriers. Become a multiplier. Authoritarians count on voter fatigue. But they can’t drown out millions who refuse to sit down and shut up.
4. Raise Hell Loudly and Legally
Silence is permission. The louder we are—online…in public…in office…the harder it becomes to ignore us. March. Write. Record. Protest. Testify. Organize. Make fascists uncomfortable everywhere they go. They don’t fear laws. They fear scrutiny.
5. Refuse to Comply With Fascist Language
Language is the battlefield. Never parrot their framing. Don’t call fascism “populism.” Don’t say “culture war” when you mean bigotry. Don’t let “security” mean surveillance. Call things what they are. When they control the language…they control the outcome. Don’t let them.
Final Word
Fascism isn’t coming. It’s here.
It’s wearing a suit…smiling at cameras…and stacking the courts.
But here’s the thing fascists always forget:
The people don’t stay asleep forever.
We don’t need everyone—we just need enough people awake…armed with the truth… and ready to fight like hell while it still matters.
And if you're reading this….you’re already one of them.
Stay sharp. Stay focused. Look your fear in the eye, and in your most dismissive voice possible, say, Sit down, Jr.!”
I’ll be back soon, my friend.
Jack