I've spent the past four hours

[Coyote_Bandit]

searching for an article or a link or a reference to something I read about 2 weeks ago. I thought I read it - or got a link to it here on DU.

It was an article that listed seven characteristics of authoritarian societies. It may have referred to them as paternalistic societies though the list did not appear feminist or anti-male. I can remember two things on the list (paraphrased): (1) a focus on winning often regardless of the cost; and (2) a focus on self-interest over the interests of many.

The list I read was a summary list similar to the list of the fourteen characteristics of fascism. But I don't particularly care if I find the information in the same format. I was reading on somebody else's computer in another state at the time or I would have saved the information. I was doing an academic exercise earlier today and wanting to allude to some of the items on the list.

Does anyboy here remember this? Or can anybody direct me to the information?

[Lerkfish]

1. although i can't find it now, either, it was 14 indicators of Fascism

try searching for that.

[Rabrrrrrr]

2. Oh, I thought you were going to say "burying the cat"

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. Here's the sermon on fascism:

First, an excellent article:

http://jeffrey-feldman.typepad.com/frameshop/2005/03/american_fascis.html

And then the sermon outlining the 14 points of fascism:

http://austinuu.org/sermons/2004/2004-11-07-LivingUnderFascism.html

[Coyote_Bandit]

4. Thanks for the links but

what I am looking for is similar to but different from the fourteen characteristics of fascism. The items almost all focused on the value our society places on competition, gamesmanship, winning, and individualism. The focus was on an authoritarian society - which would not necessarily have to be fascist - as opposed to a more collaborative society. I've already addressed and rebutted the relevant parts of the characteristics of fascism in this little exercise. I may just have to wing the rest of it.

[Lerkfish]

5. why would your "rebut the relevant parts of...facsicm"?

maybe I didn't understand you.
Are you say you're refuting that we are living in a facsist society?

If so, I think we would strongly disagree on that.
And, if that's your goal, I'm glad I was of no help.

:)

[Coyote_Bandit]

6. No my argument is that we are living in a fascist society

that is authoritarian in nature. I'm also arguing that a collaborative society would be better than an authoritarian society. Hence, my search for the list of characteristics that define an authoritarian society.

I'm arguing with a fundie freeper and trying to show from a faith based perspective that his views are wrong. For example, one chaacteristic of fascism is strong nationalism which I am arguing from a faith based perspective is a form of idolatry.

Sorry if I did not make myself clear. I absolutely agree that we are living in an increasingly fascist country.

And, yes, I most definitely should have my head examined for having this particular discussion. I just refuse to be silent and have him assume that either I agree or that I cannot refute his position.