Ruth Ben-Ghiat has emerged as one of the leading voices analyzing the current dangers of fascism, which has seemingly leapt from history books to become a pressing issue within modern-day America. Recently, she took to discussing these issues weekly, particularly focusing on the Trump administration’s perceived authoritarianism. Her conversations are meant as resources for those seeking insight on resisting these trends, with her next discussion scheduled for February 24, 2023.
On her last episode of MSNBC's "The Reidout," Joy Reid opened by strongly asserting her connection to the current state of American politics, warning viewers, "fascism isn’t just coming, it’s already here." Her poignant statements were part of her closing arguments on the show, which has been canceled amid broader programming changes at the network.
Reid passionately questioned, "When you are in the midst of a crisis and, more critically, a crisis of democracy, how do you resist?" This sentiment echoes the past struggles for democracy, with Reid urging viewers to learn from history. "For one thing, you can try to learn from history, from what people in this situation, in countries around the world and here have done before," she continued, invoking her friend Rachel Maddow's belief: "History is here to help."
Throughout her tenure, Reid has drawn on historical examples to highlight various resistance movements, including Harriet Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad and the civil rights movement led by figures like Medgar Evers and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She recounted, "The first rule is to fight back, to never stop resisting." This strategic mindset is pivotal during these times of political tumult.
Ben-Ghiat supports this conversation with her thorough analysis of authoritarian regimes worldwide, urging vigilance and active opposition. Her contributions shed light on the similarities between today’s political climate and those societies where authoritarianism became normalized. “Do not obey in advance,” Ben-Ghiat echoes, citing historian Tim Snyder's call to proactive resistance even amid societal discomfort.
Not merely recapping political changes, Reid became emotional during her final broadcast, reflecting on her contributions to social justice issues. "What I was doing had value," she said, emphasizing her commitment to activism surrounding pivotal issues such as Black Lives Matter and immigrant rights. This heartfelt moment found resonance with viewers, as she expressed gratitude for the support she's received, reaffirming the importance of speaking out against oppression.
She highlighted various historical resistance campaigns, including the labor rights movement which won the 40-hour workweek as well as impactful protests against wars throughout U.S. history. Reid poignantly noted, "You don’t always win every battle, but the whole thing is about resisting." This call to action promotes the idea of relentless resistance, urging citizens to remain vigilant.
Her legacy on the network included illuminating struggles against oppression, echoing the sentiments of the historical White Rose resistance movement. The White Rose, known for its anti-Nazi stance, demanded moral resistance from German citizens during World War II with its stirring proclamations, such as, "We will not be silent." Such echoes of the past remind viewers to engage actively and vocally against contemporary threats.
These parallels between historical and modern-day resistance are stark, fueling the argument for continued vigilance against rising authoritarianism. Ben-Ghiat advocates for recognizing the gravitas of the present moment, noting how historical lessons provide the necessary frameworks for resistance today.
Indeed, as Reid departed from her role at MSNBC, she left behind impassioned warnings of unchecked authoritarianism, posing the challenge for audiences to keep pushing against normalization and complacency. Reid’s assertion – "Do not take the knee" – resonates as a call to arms for all who wish to maintain democratic values.
Looking forward, both Reid and Ben-Ghiat stress the necessity for collective action, urging people from all walks of life not to curb their voices. Their messages reverberate through their insistent calls to engage democratically, reflecting on historical lessons to galvanize modern movements.
Reid’s final broadcast and Ben-Ghiat’s analyses serve as pivotal reminders to fight back against the insidious nature of fascism now advocating for democracy as the ultimate form of resistance. Engaging with these narratives will be pivotal for fostering awareness and catalyzing action against authoritarianism lurking on the edges of contemporary politics.