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Gil Mildar
As the song says, a Latin American with no money in his pocket.

Straight talk II

History has taught us that fascism doesn’t appear out of nowhere; it’s nurtured by every cog in society—from economic despair to the comfortable indifference of those who think, “This isn’t my problem.” Now, on social media, fascism slithers through everyday posts disguised as harmless jokes, “common sense,” or the defense of “traditional values.” But there’s nothing innocent in this game. Every like on a bigoted post is a silent vote for the preservation of hatred. And if you’re reading this and feel offended, maybe it’s because you’ve clicked that button before, unaware of the weight behind what you were endorsing.

Economic and social crises may fertilize fascism, but we all plant the seeds. By those who share toxic memes, laugh at others’ misfortune, or hide in bubbles where empathy is dismissed as weakness. Let’s stop pretending: fascism isn’t the work of some distant monster. It’s born from small concessions, from each time we choose silence over confronting a racist joke, from each time we swap sincere debate for empty slogans that soothe our ignorance.

Those who believe fascism is just the result of war or a charismatic leader are deluding themselves. The truth is much harsher: fascism thrives because there’s a crowd who, deep down, prefer order over freedom, violence over uncertainty, simplification over complexity. Want the unvarnished truth? Fascism doesn’t spread like an uncontrollable disease. It spreads because some people want it and need it to fill the void left by their own frustrations and failures.

And if you think the blame always lies with someone else—the corrupt politician, the biased journalist, the ignorant neighbor—you’re already on the path of those who feed the fascist machine. Because modern fascism thrives on blame-shifting, diluted responsibility, and a society that would instead point fingers than look in the mirror, it’s easy to condemn the violence of extremists in some other country but hard to face the roots of the authoritarianism you nurture in your feed, in your conversations, in your complicit silence.

War, inequality, fear… these are all fuels for fascism. Still, the actual engine is us: our prejudices disguised as opinion, our arrogance masked as morality, and our insistence on defending the indefensible because it makes us feel less powerless. You don’t need to wear a uniform to be complicit; go with the flow, laugh at the “jokes,” and defend brutality in the name of safety and order.

Social media is the stage where this grotesque spectacle plays out. Still, the audience is all of us, clapping with our clicks, commenting with venom disguised as irony, and watching the show with the same indifference we use to ignore others’ pain. There are no innocent bystanders here. If you consume, share, or even look the other way, you’re already part of this destructive cycle. This passive participation is what makes fascism even more dangerous—it doesn’t need a strong ideology; it just relies on the apathy and selfishness of those who prefer a comforting lie over an uncomfortable truth.

The future you fear is already here, built one hateful post, one tasteless joke, one act of neglect at a time. And if you’ve read this far and think this message doesn’t apply to you, it’s probably because it does.

About the Author
As a Brazilian, Jewish, and humanist writer, I embody a rich cultural blend that influences my worldview and actions. Six years ago, I made the significant decision to move to Israel, a journey that not only connects me to my ancestral roots but also positions me as an active participant in an ongoing dialogue between the past, present, and future. My Latin American heritage and life in Israel have instilled a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and justice. Through my writing, I delve into themes of authoritarianism, memory, and resistance, aiming not just to reflect on history but to actively contribute to the shaping of a more just and equitable future. My work is an invitation for reflection and action, aspiring to advance human dignity above all.
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