Social justice is a fairly modern term that gets a lot of buzz from people by virtue of it's alignment to leftists and neo-liberals. Historically it was a catholic term, social justice is a concept of fair and just relations between the individual and society. This is measured by the explicit and tacit terms for the distribution of wealth, opportunities for personal activity, and social privileges. The concept of social justice originally meant the process of ensuring that individuals fulfill their societal roles and receive what was their due from society. In a more modern sense social justice refers to a simple pursuit. Recognition of one's inherent privileges granted by society, ending programs and systems in society that promote disadvantages to others, and achieve a society where everyone has an equal opportunity. Social justice is often utilized by advocating for a group of peoples who face some sort of violence, negativity, or disadvantage in society.
Propaganda meanwhile is a tool. Almost all political movements since the 1800s utilize some form of propaganda. Songs, posters, artwork, buildings, and clothing can be used as propaganda. The main focus of this tool is to promote some kind of message. Whether that's mocking one political party, or promoting a common goal, or raising awareness to an issue that most were unaware of propaganda at it's core is a tool used to garner support and recognition. Propaganda is often a political buzzword, as some promotions, or political action are called out as propaganda, but I would argue almost any action by a political public figure can qualify as propaganda. Either it's a good thing for them, or it's a good thing for the other party.
As I was doing my research I was interested by the artist Shepard Fairey. Most famous for his Obama hope poster, Shepard Fairey is a political activist, graffiti artist, and graphic designer. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston has described him as one of the best known and most influential street artists. His work utilizes a simple, colorful, and bold style that portrays the individual in a simplistic light. This makes his work graphically appealing as well as allows it to stand out. This graphical approach I found compelling in nature. However, Fairey is somewhat controversial. Fairey has been criticized for failing to obtain permission and to provide attribution for works he used, his Obama poster is based on a photo he did not get permission to use.
Fascism is believed to begin as an opposition group to enlightenment, characterized by their ultimatum perspective on humanity. Combining with several ideals such as Darwin's theories, Eugenics, and Colonialism, Fascism by the prime era of Hitler and the 3rd Reich had reached it's peak in ideals. With a clear defined character and political identity. Fascism revolves around a few central tenets.
- Humanity is naturally violent, war is a natural state of being and bloodshed is therefor a lofty aspiration
- Breeding is very important, and aspiring to the "natural high breeding" of your land is how to achieve high social standing
- That male dominance is essential to leadership, and by extent, male violence
- Authoritarianism is the most ideal way to ensure national morality
By the time that Germany had become Nazi Germany, these ideals were the tenets of the government. Rape was legalized, men were congratulated for violence, eugenics led to massive focus on 'proper blood', and of course the most noteworthy and horrific aspect of Nazi Germany, the genocide of the Jewish People.
Nazism claimed that the Jewish people were not infact people. Rather that Jews were inferior and lesser, and were therefor sullying the people of Germany. Nazism's main arguing point is calling into question whether or not a group of people are really people, and when you begin to question that, it puts the burden of proof on the marginalized group to show that they are human. A fruitless task as the fascist's viewpoint is already fixed.
Fascism is a residual ideal that still has a hold
Fascism was eventually ended in Germany after WWII concluded, but the ideals of fascism never really left. Which is where Antifa comes into play. Antifa began in Germany to combat residual Nazism in the country. However it's real rise in cultural relevance and popularity began in the 1990s, when skinheads attempted to invade the punk scene in Britain. Antifa was uptaken by many neo-liberal punks and rebels in order to bring street-antifascism to their community. Soon chapters opened up in america and internationally.
Antifa is especially relevant in modern america with the rise of Neo-nazis and fascist ideals. In the Charlottesville August 11th, there was a Unite the Right rally. The marchers chanted racist and antisemitic slogans, carried semi-automatic rifles, swastikas, Nazi symbols (such as the Odal rune, Black Sun, and Iron Cross, the Valknut, Confederate battle flags, Deus Vult crosses, flags and other symbols of various past and present anti-Muslim and antisemitic groups. It is shocking and deeply concerning to see such symbols and blatant fascism in modern america, and Antifa is more relevant than ever.
Society needs to take direct action to silence Nazism. Not allowing them to speak publicly, outing them to bosses, friends, and neighbors, refuting their ideals, and bringing up the terrible violence and genocide that occurred under Nazi Germany. Antifa takes to task silencing nazis. By not allowing them a platform, their ideas can't garner support, and their "concerns" about society cannot be legitimized.
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