I’d say part of the difference is that, at this point, the billionaires have left us with just enough to lose. I’m sure the risk of physical violence was still daunting, but when you have nothing left to lose then the prospect of physical harm somehow seems preferable to continuing with the status quo. That seems like an easy thing to say, but I’ve been there before.
Ah, yes, of course. That’s also the distinction of Russia’s situation from more classical kinds of fascism. Bad things happen, but the regime doesn’t put them under your nose. Intimidation happens, but there are no public executions Nazi-style. Propaganda happens, but it’s boring and one would think ineffective, except it still sticks, similar to advertising, - they’ve learned some lessons. Nazis were more interesting and imposing, but less efficient. This is state of the art.
Same with today’s monopolies, oligopolies, rotten electoral systems, censorship.
Everything has been optimized to the last cent. Not the good old days, when the bad guys were generous with impressions.
Reminds me of Boussenard’s sentiment on new uniforms in his children’s book on the Boer war - no more nice glares and colors, just khaki everywhere - a symbol of efficiency, because camouflage now is treated seriously enough.
Like Intel’s tick-tock. Worker movements and fascisms 100 years ago were the “tick”, and now is the “tock” - boring, depressing, deadly efficient.
I’d say part of the difference is that, at this point, the billionaires have left us with just enough to lose. I’m sure the risk of physical violence was still daunting, but when you have nothing left to lose then the prospect of physical harm somehow seems preferable to continuing with the status quo. That seems like an easy thing to say, but I’ve been there before.
Ah, yes, of course. That’s also the distinction of Russia’s situation from more classical kinds of fascism. Bad things happen, but the regime doesn’t put them under your nose. Intimidation happens, but there are no public executions Nazi-style. Propaganda happens, but it’s boring and one would think ineffective, except it still sticks, similar to advertising, - they’ve learned some lessons. Nazis were more interesting and imposing, but less efficient. This is state of the art.
Same with today’s monopolies, oligopolies, rotten electoral systems, censorship.
Everything has been optimized to the last cent. Not the good old days, when the bad guys were generous with impressions.
Reminds me of Boussenard’s sentiment on new uniforms in his children’s book on the Boer war - no more nice glares and colors, just khaki everywhere - a symbol of efficiency, because camouflage now is treated seriously enough.
Like Intel’s tick-tock. Worker movements and fascisms 100 years ago were the “tick”, and now is the “tock” - boring, depressing, deadly efficient.
Very well put; this is exactly what I’m talking about.