I understand Fascism in two ways, the political definition which attempts to legitimize an authoritative, nationalistic, and violent form of rule, which Mussolini and Hitler proved to be a corrupt and malignant system for most citizens.

I also see it as a psychosis, a cult, in which we see a opportunistic tyrant assuming power supported by a minority of the population, some of which are the corporate plutocrats, who can actually benefit from the system in terms of wealth, and others, who are not wealthy, but follow a strong leader, because of xenophobia, or other bigotry, which the leader validates in exchange for their support. The last group (non wealthy), do not benefit from their obsequiousness, in fact they suffer from ruling system as much as those opposing the leaders rule. Their only benefit is a PERCEIVED idea that the dear leader loves them, and soon they will get a big reward for their support. A reward that never comes.

This is the psychosis. It’s a toss-up who has the great illness, the cult leader, or the cult followers, both feed off a sense of warped gratification that almost never is complete or long lasting.

Charlie Manson is pretty good example of fascism