Fascism in the 21st Century

Attending school to receive a proper education has always been an expected part of my life whether I wanted it for myself or not. I feel privileged and somewhat guilty when I hear of the terror befalling girls in Afghanistan who simply want to attend school, and are barred from doing so because of the Taliban. These girls risk their lives everyday just walking to school, but for them, the opportunities that an education make possible greatly outweigh the risks.

The political momentum of the Taliban today has similarities to the fascist movements that took place in Europe during the 20th century. The Taliban target activities that do not follow certain strict traditions: women attending school are encountering acts of violence by the Taliban, increasingly so since public schools for girls were shut down. The role of women in Afghanistan has been progressing into a new phase, but the Taliban want women to remain in their traditional place as mothers and housewives who cover themselves completely when outside their own homes. The fascist movements in Italy and Germany put constrains on the freedoms of women as well. Presenting the ideal role of women as mothers and homemakers. These figures in Europe tried to convince women that they should return to a recently abandoned image of a woman's place in the home through means of persuasive propaganda and occupational limitations.

The goal of the fascist ideals constructed for women in Europe is different from that of the Taliban. The Europeans believed that increasing the population was a sign of a strong leader. In order promote large families and subsequently increase birthrate, propaganda was widely distributed to provide men with the image that the ideal family raised a flock of children. In contrast, the militia in Afghanistan are not concerned with whether or not their terrorizing tactics garner support. Their concept of control requires fear to induce conformity. Mussolini and HItler used systems that gained mass support by sympathizing with the plight of the citizens. Hitler's approach gained active support from his followers by initiating an oath of loyalty. The Taliban do not aim to win over the hearts of the Afghans: their mere compliance is good enough. For many people, the fear of death associated with disobedience will keep them out of school, but just as many Afghans will pursue their education because it holds the most hope for a better future.

Although the Taliban have once again gained momentum, I do not believe they will have lasting power because so many people experienced a taste of a freer life. No one who has experienced the potential unleashed by education would give it up without a fight. Even thought the Afghani government has given the Taliban some legal power, as Hitler once did in Germany, I believe that the Afghanis will endure this set back and eventually rebuild public schools for girls because the ember of determination has already been set.