I know fascists do this, but doesn't everyone kind of? If you don't think your enemy has strengths then they're not worth being your enemy and if you don't think they have weaknesses then opposing them is pointless.

edit: I guess one difference is fascists pick enemies that genuinely are powerless, but that doesn't really seem to line up with the original claim

  • Tofu_Lewis [he/him]
    ·
    4 years ago

    So here's my take:

    The "strength" and "weakness" ascribed to the "other" are fundamentally oppositional ascriptions of those qualities. The "weakness" is a moral failing that places them inferior to the fascist. The "strength" is a wrongfully acquired material power that poses a tangible threat to the fascist. It resolves down to the fascist's primary thesis: those who do not deserve power should not have power. Allowing those who are morally "weak" to acquire material "strength" is the greatest threat to the fascist.