Etymological Fascism

by vivereque in Government, November 3, 2010

A brief exploration of the word "fascist".
FYI: I oppose fascism. Fascism is bad.

According to The Random House Dictionary of English Usage, “fascism”, which derives from the Latin word fascis, is a “governmental system led by a dictator, having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism. The definition goes on to explain the role Mussolini had in developing fascism in Italy from 1922-43. What the definition only hints at is the role that ancient Rome played in Benito’s mind. In a sense, Mussolini was trying to reinvent his vision of the ancient greatness that was Rome, and he is not the only dictator who used claims of ancient greatness (Hitler, the Aryans; Saddam Hussein, Babylon) to bolster claims to power. The sewer covers pressed SPQR (Senatus Populique Romani) are a perfectly suited ironical symbol of Mussolini’s regime.

Cover of Oxford Latin Dictionary

The terms fascis and dictator, though had no greatly menacing sound to a Roman. Dictator was a constitutional position which was to be used temporarily in times of war or other national calamity. Cicero, the great defender of the Boni, applied dictatorial powers when quelling the rebellion of the corrupt and dissolute noble Catiline and of his comrades. Of course the position could be abused, as Cicero’s own opponents claimed about his time as Consul.

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Fascis primarily refers to the “bundle of rods (usu. with an axe) carried by lictors before a magistrate,” as the Oxford Latin Dictionary explains. Originally this symbol of power was “used for punishment” by the kings. The early Fascisti were well aware of the ancient implications of their symbols. To this day, on the Ides of March, indeed throughout the year, people place flowers on the grave of Julius Caesar in the Forum Romanum.

An interesting sidenote on the word fascis: the primary meaning of the word is “a bundle of sticks…or books.” Perhaps this is why Nazis got confused and started burning books instead of wood (satire).