I am unlocking podcasts versions of key reports so everyone can access the information. If you find these reports of value, please share and please consider becoming a paid member. Thank to members who also support my work with Ko-Fi tips. Fighting fascism is my full-time job.
I am really proud of members of the Bette Dangerous community. I see you out there on social media calling American traitors on their bullshit, exposing the fascist tactics they are using and how they are promoting Kremlin-propaganda while selling themselves as patriots. Warms the heart, really.
As we grow this flock, I want to make sure our new members have access to the ‘fight fascism’ toolkit series. It is very critical to note that the techniques being used by the extreme right are very effective - as well as insidious.
The smart set often wants to cast these people as clowns - and that is dangerous, and I would posit, even irresponsible.
I have been thinking a lot about the utility of fear and victimhood - two of the most powerful fascist tricks.
“Only the mob and the elite can be attracted by the momentum of totalitarianism itself. The masses have to be won by propaganda,” wrote Hannah Arendt.
Those selling fear, othering, victimhood - they cannot win on facts, or substance, or ideas - they’re devoid of facts, substance, or ideas - all they have is propaganda.
When I sent Ruth Ben-Ghiat the headline about the Florida bill that would require bloggers who criticize DeSantis to have to register with the state, she said: “This is so fascist.”
“I reflected on how fragile democratic institutions could be in the face of organized hatred,” wrote my friend Ron Rosenbaum in 2017.
But I am reflecting on how strong a people can be when they know that their democracy is at risk - and they know the tactics being deployed on their fellow citizens and can expose them, calling them out, diffusing their power.
We can expose them, every day, in every city in America, and spread that message globally.
I’m glad you are here.
Listen to Ep17 for the full report, and paid members can access the print version here.
This is part of my Fight Fascism series:
****
Bette Dangerous is a reader-funded magazine. Thank you to all monthly, annual, and founding members. Thank you as well to all those who support my work with your generous coffee tips and who buy my ebooks.
More info about Bette Dangerous - This magazine is written by Heidi Siegmund Cuda, an Emmy-award winning investigative reporter, author, and veteran music and nightlife columnist. She is the cohost of RADICALIZED Truth Survives, an investigative show about disinformation and is part of the Byline Media team. Thank you for your support of independent investigative journalism.
Save the date! The next Bette Dangerous ‘Speakeasy’ Zoom for paid members is Sunday, March 12, 4 pm PT. We invite special guests in the fight for truth and democracy, and it’s an amazing hour. If you are not yet a paid subscriber, please consider joining. You’ll receive invites, access to all archives, and comments.
Bette Dangerous Podcast Ep17 - ‘The Masses Have to Be Won By Propaganda’ - How Fear and Victimhood Are Weaponized