We must avoid the error of defining fascism by reference to historical figures labelled fascist. If we don't, it's not difficult to show differences between them and the contemporary model. The result is the confusion and doubt that fascism thrives on.
It has learned, first of all, that to repeat the past, you must change. Extremism wears no uniform and insignia now and makes a salute at its peril. Such self-indulgences can only be a nasty reminder of what happened last time.
Instead, a down-to-earth approachable Leader lures rather than pressures, openly shares people's ordinariness, their self-interest tempered by decency and belief in fair play. All familiar, homely things. The idea is normality rules here, not a brood of fanatics.
It's a style of politics for the tough times in a new century, calculated to grow on people, always gauging reactions before the next tactic. Meanwhile, no parades.
If there's a defence against it, it requires equal calculation, with searching out and weighing the values behind the chummy rhetoric. We must listen to all that's said but hear too what that tells. Telling words scorn democratic norms and institutions, disdain tolerance and slyly imply that violence is justice. Above all, do we hear through all those telling words that compassion is reserved for a few?
In these times of people power, of social media, self-serving politicians' evasions and outright lies, we must be all ears. There are striking similarities between "Hitler" and many others who could turn out one, but they're dressed up for today.
