Part 6/10:
A core issue is that terms like "fascist," "Nazi," "authoritarian," and "far-right" are increasingly used as political swear words—meaningless labels hurled to shut down conversation rather than precise descriptions. This practice stokes fear by associating opponents with historically violent regimes or oppressive governments, making violence against them seem justified.
People often don't use these terms with a clear understanding of their definitions. Historically, governments labeled fascist often had monarchic or autocratic regimes—yet today, the term is weaponized to demonize opponents.