Not my words… just in case the free speech brigade ramps up the falling snowflakes.
Rupert Lowe is suing me for reporting that HIS Reform Party accused him of physically threatening their party chair. pic.twitter.com/s8Sn2EgKVN
— Femi (@Femi_Sorry) March 9, 2025
From Bullies to Fascists: The Roots of Authoritarianism
The idea that fascists were once bullies is not just a provocative statement—it is a theory rooted in psychological and historical patterns. Bullying, at its core, is about domination, control, and the assertion of power over others. These traits, when left unchecked or nurtured, can evolve into the authoritarian ideologies that define fascism. By examining historical figures and movements, we can see how the seeds of fascism were often sown in the playgrounds, classrooms, and social hierarchies of their early lives.
Adolf Hitler: The Schoolyard Tyrant
Adolf Hitler, the architect of Nazi Germany, is perhaps the most infamous example of this theory. In his youth, Hitler was described as a domineering and temperamental child. Accounts from his school days suggest he was not only a poor student but also prone to outbursts of anger and a desire to control his peers. His teachers noted his stubbornness and refusal to accept authority unless it aligned with his own desires.
This early behaviour foreshadowed his later political career, where his bullying tendencies escalated into a full-blown ideology of racial superiority, oppression, and genocide. Hitler’s ability to manipulate and intimidate others, honed in his youth, became the foundation of his rise to power. His rhetoric relied on scapegoating and dehumanising others—tactics not unlike those used by schoolyard bullies to isolate and dominate their victims.
Benito Mussolini: The Aggressive Outsider
Benito Mussolini, Italy’s fascist dictator, also exhibited bullying tendencies in his early years. As a child, Mussolini was known for his violent temper and frequent fights with other children. He was expelled from multiple schools for stabbing a classmate with a penknife and assaulting another student. His aggression was not just physical; he also displayed a need to dominate conversations and assert his superiority over others.
These traits carried over into his adult life, where he cultivated a persona of hyper-masculinity and ruthlessness. Mussolini’s fascist regime was built on the glorification of strength, the suppression of dissent, and the use of violence to maintain control. His early bullying behaviour evolved into a political system that relied on fear and intimidation to subjugate entire populations.
The Cult of the Strongman: A Pattern of Dominance
The connection between bullying and fascism is not limited to historical figures. Modern authoritarian leaders often exhibit similar patterns of behaviour. For example, Vladimir Putin’s rise to power in Russia has been marked by his portrayal as a strongman who brooks no opposition. Reports from his childhood suggest he was a street fighter who used physical aggression to assert dominance; a trait that has defined his political career, from his suppression of political rivals to his aggressive foreign policy.
Similarly, Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, openly bragged about his violent behaviour as a young man, including his involvement in street fights. His presidency was characterised by a brutal war on drugs that resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, reflecting the same disregard for human life and reliance on fear that defined his earlier behaviour.
The Psychology of Bullying and Fascism
Psychologists have long studied the link between bullying and authoritarianism. Bullies often exhibit traits such as a lack of empathy, a desire for control, and a willingness to use aggression to achieve their goals. These same traits are common among fascist leaders, who rely on fear, propaganda, and violence to maintain power.
Fascism, as a political ideology, thrives on the creation of an “us vs. them” mentality. Bullies operate in much the same way, targeting individuals or groups they perceive as weaker or different. This mindset, when scaled up to a societal level, becomes the foundation of fascist policies that marginalise and persecute minority groups.
From Playgrounds to Politics
In summary, the theory that fascists were once bullies is more than just a historical curiosity; it is a warning about the dangers of unchecked aggression and the desire for domination. By recognising the early signs of bullying behaviour, societies can take steps to address these tendencies before they escalate into something far more dangerous.
History has shown us that the path from bullying to fascism is not inevitable, but it is a possibility we must guard against. Whether in the classroom or the corridors of power, the traits that define bullies, cruelty, control, and a lack of empathy, are the same traits that underpin authoritarian regimes. By understanding this connection, we can better confront the roots of fascism and work towards a more just and equitable world.
If Reform UK and its members do not want to be labelled as fascists and or bullies, then my advice is to not conform to the label.
