Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In the midst of the rapid changes in our society, two critical ideas come to mind that remind us of how ideologies like fascism can take root and why truth often becomes the target of hatred.
These ideas are:
"The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it."
"When asked how fascism starts, they first entice the ignorant, then silence the wise."
Truth and Hatred: A Cycle of Sacrifice
The first idea speaks of the relationship between truth and hatred, a powerful cycle that engulfs societies that stray from reason. I’ve seen this firsthand in the way people react to uncomfortable truths. When a society chooses to accept lies or false beliefs rather than confront the truth, those who stand for honesty often become targets of persecution.
There’s a fear in facing the truth, especially when it has the potential to disrupt illusions built by those in power. I recall instances where, upon challenging certain norms or exposing corruption through my platform, the reaction was not just indifference but outright hostility. I realized this anger wasn’t directed at me personally—it was aimed at the truth itself.
In many countries, leaders use disinformation to distract people from real issues like corruption, unemployment, or inequality. I've witnessed how those who expose these truths—whether whistleblowers, journalists, or activists—are often vilified. In such a climate, it’s not just their words that are attacked; they face harassment, threats, and in extreme cases, violence. The anger toward them stems from a deep fear of change, a reluctance to confront the truth.
The Rise of Fascism: Ignorance and the Silencing of Intelligence
The second idea illustrates how fascism takes hold. It starts with the manipulation of the ignorant and the silencing of the wise. I’ve seen echoes of this in various political landscapes, where those in power appeal to the uninformed masses, promising easy solutions to complex problems. When people are deprived of critical thinking, they become easier to control.
I’ve watched how those who question or challenge these simplistic ideas are often dismissed or silenced. Whether it’s through censorship, defamation, or the monopolization of media, the voices of reason are gradually drowned out. It becomes easier for fascism to take root when no one dares to oppose or present more nuanced perspectives.
Fascism thrives on control—control of thoughts, ideas, and dissent. The ignorant become tools in the hands of authoritarian leaders, while the wise, who could offer meaningful opposition, are silenced. I’ve often wondered what happens when rational thinkers give in to fear or indifference, choosing silence over resistance. It creates a dangerous void where manipulation and deceit can flourish unchecked.
A Reminder for the Present
These two ideas feel more relevant than ever as the world continues to face the challenges of disinformation, the rise of authoritarian regimes, and the suppression of free thought. I’ve had my share of moments where speaking the truth felt like standing against a tide of indifference or hostility. But it’s crucial to remember that if we allow truth to be silenced, we risk allowing lies to dominate our societies.
As I reflect on these concepts, I’m reminded that our responsibility is not just to speak the truth but to actively fight against the forces that seek to silence those who do. Ignorance and fear are the breeding grounds of fascism. By encouraging open dialogue and critical thinking, we can help prevent these dangerous ideologies from taking root.
In these times, we must ask ourselves:
How do we prevent fascism?
Why is truth so often hated?
The answer lies in our collective willingness to stand up for the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be, and to resist the ignorance that threatens to lead us down a darker path.
How can truth win?
Why silence intelligence?
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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