Benito Mussolini Anti Fascism Essay

Throughout history, political and social ideologies are prime motivators of change. Ideology defined, is the body of doctrine myth, belief, etc., that guides and individual, social movement, institution, class, or large group. It is natural for humans to actively seek out communion and purpose within different identities. Group affiliation allows a person to answer the question, “Who Am I?” Social relationships help to define a person as a whole and not just the self. Conformity is a large factor in daily life; being part of a group grants protection as well as validation of ideas. More can be achieved by working together than working apart. Aligning oneself with an ideology, fulfils basic social needs and propels society forwards into the future. Extremism is to break away from traditional attitudes and beliefs of society. In the early 1900s, it took the form of social and political revolutions. Rapid …show more content…
This type of aggressive nationalism extensively emphasized the importance of a strong state. At the head of this state was Benito Mussolini. He came to power wanting to revolutionize Italy and restore its influence and glory. Mussolini did this by appealing to the Italian nation by intensely distributing and promoting propaganda. Looking at The Doctrine of Fascism, Mussolini addresses the loss of self in the promotion of total collectivism. He writes “fascism reasserts the rights of the state as expressing the real essence of the individual.” Mussolini associated fascism with religion and tradition. Fascism is to permeate throughout one’s life and work tirelessly to better the nation and more importantly the state. To expect complete devotion to the state is no small step. This requires a person to willingly conform and give one’s own individualistic power to the state. This effectively characterizes Fascism as extreme