What Makes a Fascist?

Over the past few days opinions have built and differed over the impending visit of Katie Hopkins, and some from the Manx Bard himself.

The Manx Bard is a publicly funded cultural ambassadorship designed to act as a voice for the community and celebrate Manx identity, and with that is more than entitled to their own opinion and to throw their opinion within political commentating.

Bradley Chambers, the current Bard, has been vocal about his discontent with Katie Hopkins performing at the government owned Gaiety Theatre later this week.

Chambers calls Katie Hopkins a “vile individual who deliberately sets out to incite hatred and discrimination”.

He argues that Villa Gaiety is the island’s primary cultural venue, owned and operated by the Department of Education, Sport & Culture, and therefore must uphold the island’s stated values of respect, integrity, caring, fairness and trust.

Chambers says Katie Hopkins “represents the opposite of all these values” and that providing her with a platform “does not demonstrate inclusive and respectful language and values.”

Hatred?

However, Chambers has previously and publicly stated his far-left views and hatred for the Conservative Party. In 2022, he boasted about hating Tories and fascism.

This is also the same man that wrote “communism demonstrates an ability and willingness to act in the interests of humanity”. But communism has been said to have been responsible for killing 100 million people because of its authoritarian ways.

While historians estimate that 20th-century communist regimes caused between 60 million and 100 million deaths through purges, labour camps, and famines, the role of Vladimir Lenin remains heavily debated. Critics argue his early “Red Terror” campaigns laid the groundwork for these mass casualties. However, some modern supporters attempt to separate Lenin’s foundational socialist ideals from the later, more destructive actions of his successor, Joseph Stalin.

So What Makes a Fascist?

But what makes a fascist? The definition is someone that is characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strict control over society and the economy.

Katie Hopkins’ views “objectionable, offensive, divisive and often factually incorrect

Dr Michelle Haywood MHK

Rushen MHK Dr Michelle Haywood has also joined the anti-choice group, saying she finds Katie Hopkins’ views “objectionable, offensive, divisive and often factually incorrect,” adding that she is saddened people are willing to pay to see a performer whose rhetoric she fears may reflect negative attitudes toward immigrants, Muslims and LGBTQ+ people.

Whilst all of this is said and done, there was little to no uproar only last year when the well-known singer and political campaigner Paloma Faith was guest at the Isle of Man Arts Council Annual Lecture – funded by the taxpayer.

Ms Faith prominent advocate for Palestinian rights, demanding an end to UK arms sales to Israel, who herself claims the “holocaust has been weaponised”.

We are in danger of silencing free-speech and opposing beliefs and views by doing what opposers want. It’s really quite simple, if you don’t like Ms Hopkins, don’t go. If you do, do.

However, the moment a publicly funded theatre refuses to host a public figure due to their views, we have a much graver issue on the horizon, and that is the thing that Mr Chambers and Dr Haywood claim to be so against, fascism.