Red Baiting Then and Now – The Danger of Fascism Today

In the 1950s, many Americans feared that McCarthyism marked the first step toward full-blown authoritarian fascism. Fortunately, the nation avoided that fate then; however, today the specter of authoritarianism has become both real and visible. Understanding the current actions of the Trump Administration is essential. Just as McCarthyism demonized communists, today’s far-right movement targets “woke” liberals, “criminal” immigrants, “Antifa terrorists,” and LGBTQ individuals accused of “grooming.” This demonization fosters ignorance, denies truth, fuels violence, and encourages the use of state power to strip away basic rights. In his talk, Meeropol will examine the striking parallels—and crucial differences—between the Red Scare and the Trump era. He argues that while elements of fascism existed in the 1950s, the threats we face today are deeper, more organized, and more dangerous.