John G. reviewed Blackshirts and Reds by Michael Parenti
None
5 stars
Clear and clairvoyant - hard to believe it was written in 1997 and yet it perfectly describes the moves of the neo-right that have happened since. The book is mistitled. Though it describes the historical blackshirts and reds, it is more far-reaching, and isn't really a history book as one might think. The book convincingly dissects fascism as authoritarianism in service to capitalism and explains how the intentional conflation of capitalism with democracy has suppressed freedoms all over the world. Very well written with compelling historical examples. A good, challenging read.
Clear and clairvoyant - hard to believe it was written in 1997 and yet it perfectly describes the moves of the neo-right that have happened since. The book is mistitled. Though it describes the historical blackshirts and reds, it is more far-reaching, and isn't really a history book as one might think. The book convincingly dissects fascism as authoritarianism in service to capitalism and explains how the intentional conflation of capitalism with democracy has suppressed freedoms all over the world. Very well written with compelling historical examples. A good, challenging read.