Fascist Aesthetics

Fascist aesthetics are very much alive in the proceedings of large choreographed events, such as the Olympic opening ceremony and many nationalistic parades. This is not to say that countries sporting such features are naturally fascist or actually are, but that they subscribe to a certain ideal of presentation that is similar or identical to the fascist aesthetics.

What is often seen as features of fascist aesthetics include strict discipline and restraint, synchrony, tight choreography and a show of strength. Events like military marches, the unified sequences during the opening of the Olympics like the perfectly timed drumming and the typesetting sequence and of course the tightly choreographed nation day parades, and very likely with people sitting (or standing) in a relatively orderly manner to watch the whole event. This is of course in direct contrast to spontaneity encouraged in other countries, where parades are really more like carnivals where people dance on the streets and even mingle with the performers. Happy order against happy chaos.

The fascist aesthetic is undoubtedly strongly appealing. Few things can match the spectacle of such parades, with the stunningly unified show of strength as veritable platoons of civilians do everything in flawless synchronization. In comparison, a spontaneous parade would likely look much more like a rabble having a good time. There is certainly an appeal to the fascist aesthetic, which reminds all of the worrying tendency to appreciate the ideologies that come with a preference for such an aesthetic...