This book interrogates rising fascism in America. It spotlights the major facets of fascism that increasingly characterize contemporary US politics, in relation to political authoritarianism, the rise of anti-intellectualism, the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories, the glorification of political street violence and state violence, rising white supremacy, and the militarization of US political discourse. Alongside this, Giroux and DiMaggio show how the assault on critical education and pedagogy is central to the fascist program. They stress the importance of reprioritizing education as a public good to combating fascist politics and ideology and draw links between fascism and the banning of books in schools, whitewashing history, and punishing policies aimed at Black, Brown, and transgender youth. They challenge the commonly embraced notion that Trumpism is primarily a function of economic insecurity within his support base, documenting how support for the former president primarily centered on reactionary socio-cultural values and white supremacy. They also show how white supremacist values are central to the Trump base defending the January 6th insurrection, despite academics, journalists, and political officials in both major parties ignoring the threat of rising white nationalism.
With the world burning and flooding and the political system unraveling, with wars on the rise and many displaced due to storms and violence, with politicians holding our finances and intellectual freedoms hostage, unable to act to reduce hardship or build towards peace, many may feel alone and isolated. Giroux and Dimaggio teach us that this is not so. With insight and anger, Giroux and Dimaggio guide us along the path to continued critical thought and ongoing organizing in the face of attacks on democracy. An essential, hard-hitting intervention! A powerful rallying call!!
