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POG's Anti-Fascism Training
Because the only wrong time to learn to spot and stop oppression is when it's too late.
A plain language and accessible training tool.
Made on Our Own
Free for Your Use
This training is free for anyone to use.
You can look at it, share it, or teach it to others if you want.
It was made without any government money or grants.
We made this for education purposes only, to help people learn, speak up, and stay safe — together.
Slides
POG's Anti-Fascism Training
Slide Image:
Fist symbolizing power and resistance.
Slide Text:
Because the only wrong time to learn how to spot and stop oppression is when it's too late
A plain language and accessible presentation
Fist symbolizing power and resistance.
Slide Text:
Because the only wrong time to learn how to spot and stop oppression is when it's too late
A plain language and accessible presentation
Made on Our Own
Free for Your Use
Slide Image:
Icon of a person pointing at a board, teaching other people
Slide Text:
This training is free for anyone to use.
You can look at it, share it, or teach it to others if you want.
It was made without any government money or grants.
We made this for education purposes only, to help people learn, speak up, and stay safe — together.
Icon of a person pointing at a board, teaching other people
Slide Text:
This training is free for anyone to use.
You can look at it, share it, or teach it to others if you want.
It was made without any government money or grants.
We made this for education purposes only, to help people learn, speak up, and stay safe — together.
Important Reminder
Slide Images:
Icons to the left of each sentence in the following order: Network of people, upset face emoji, neutral face emoji, and a crosshair
Slide Text:
This presentation talks about big, serious topics: oppression, harm to people, and difficult moments in history.
You might feel upset or worried when you hear these examples.
It's okay to have strong feelings or to ask for help if you feel uncomfortable.
Our goal is to learn, understand, and find ways to prevent harm in the future.
Icons to the left of each sentence in the following order: Network of people, upset face emoji, neutral face emoji, and a crosshair
Slide Text:
This presentation talks about big, serious topics: oppression, harm to people, and difficult moments in history.
You might feel upset or worried when you hear these examples.
It's okay to have strong feelings or to ask for help if you feel uncomfortable.
Our goal is to learn, understand, and find ways to prevent harm in the future.
What is This?
Slide Image:
Group of termites eating wood
Slide Text:
...Other than EEWWW!!!
Group of termites eating wood
Slide Text:
...Other than EEWWW!!!
How do we Know if we Have Termites?
Slide Image:
Remnants of termites and shaved wood on the floor
Slide Text:
Look for signs!
You generally see the signs of termites before you see the termites themselves
Remnants of termites and shaved wood on the floor
Slide Text:
Look for signs!
You generally see the signs of termites before you see the termites themselves
When Should we be Aware of the Signs?
Slide Image:
Sign on the road
Slide Text:
Always! Learn the signs and take action early
Avoid believing you are immune
Sign on the road
Slide Text:
Always! Learn the signs and take action early
Avoid believing you are immune
What is Fascism?
Slide Image:
A leader in the shadows behind a ballot box holding a false election with people in shackles as they "vote", symbolizing a false vote
Slide Text:
A way of thinking or running a country that involves:
- One person/group with all the power
- Can't speak freely and can't criticize leaders
- Some groups get blamed for problems (immigrants, people with disabilities, trans people, etc.)
- Control through violence and fear
- No elections or fake elections
A leader in the shadows behind a ballot box holding a false election with people in shackles as they "vote", symbolizing a false vote
Slide Text:
A way of thinking or running a country that involves:
- One person/group with all the power
- Can't speak freely and can't criticize leaders
- Some groups get blamed for problems (immigrants, people with disabilities, trans people, etc.)
- Control through violence and fear
- No elections or fake elections
Why/How does Fascism Happen?
Slide Image:
People manifesting into one dark void of an entity, giving all power to the one in charge
Slide Text:
Fascism starts small and grows
When people struggle, they look for blame (scapegoating)
Scapegoating is wrong but simple and easy to understand
-"It's all their fault"
-"Everything would be fine if they weren't here"
-"They are the enemy"
And the solution is just as simple:
-"Give me all the power/control. Only I can fit it and make it better."
People manifesting into one dark void of an entity, giving all power to the one in charge
Slide Text:
Fascism starts small and grows
When people struggle, they look for blame (scapegoating)
Scapegoating is wrong but simple and easy to understand
-"It's all their fault"
-"Everything would be fine if they weren't here"
-"They are the enemy"
And the solution is just as simple:
-"Give me all the power/control. Only I can fit it and make it better."
Why is Fascism like a Termite Infestation?
Slide Image:
A city split by a road. The left side is sunny and peaceful, the right side is dark, gloomy, and full of destruction, smoke and fire.
Slide Text:
- Can be hidden/difficult to see
- Destroys from the inside out
- Infestations look different from each other
- No person/country is immune
- Stress increases vulnerability
-Doesn't stop on its own
Stopping it early is always better
A city split by a road. The left side is sunny and peaceful, the right side is dark, gloomy, and full of destruction, smoke and fire.
Slide Text:
- Can be hidden/difficult to see
- Destroys from the inside out
- Infestations look different from each other
- No person/country is immune
- Stress increases vulnerability
-Doesn't stop on its own
Stopping it early is always better
What does Fascism Look Like?
Slide Image:
Dark cube floating about grassy land
Slide Text:
Not the best question!
Ask instead: What are the signs of fascist thoughts/governments?
Dark cube floating about grassy land
Slide Text:
Not the best question!
Ask instead: What are the signs of fascist thoughts/governments?
Stanley G. Payne's Three-Part Definition
Slide Image:
Picture of bird resembling fascist symbolism
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What is fascism against? (Negations)
What does fascism want to achieve? (Goals)
How does fascism behave? (Style)
Picture of bird resembling fascist symbolism
Slide Text:
What is fascism against? (Negations)
What does fascism want to achieve? (Goals)
How does fascism behave? (Style)
What are the Signs of Fascism?
Slide Image:
Foundations broken, justice scale imbalanced
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Fascism is against:
-Liberalism: Individual rights, free speech, open democracy
-Communism: Extreme left or socialist movements
-Conservatism: Institutions, rule of law, precedent
Strategy: Eliminate everything that isn't fascism
Foundations broken, justice scale imbalanced
Slide Text:
Fascism is against:
-Liberalism: Individual rights, free speech, open democracy
-Communism: Extreme left or socialist movements
-Conservatism: Institutions, rule of law, precedent
Strategy: Eliminate everything that isn't fascism
What are the Signs of Fascism?
Slide Image:
Huge hand puppeteering people on the ground
Slide Text:
Fascism wants to achieve:
- Nationalist Dictatorship: Strong-man rule "Only our country matters"
- Control over economy and society: Word/book bans, taking over institutions
- Expansion: Taking land, battlefield wars, economic wars
Strategy: Grow power, take away power from other, and give it to one person/party/organization
Huge hand puppeteering people on the ground
Slide Text:
Fascism wants to achieve:
- Nationalist Dictatorship: Strong-man rule "Only our country matters"
- Control over economy and society: Word/book bans, taking over institutions
- Expansion: Taking land, battlefield wars, economic wars
Strategy: Grow power, take away power from other, and give it to one person/party/organization
What are the Signs of Fascism?
Slide Image:
Huge god-like face in sky, people lining up for their leader. Maze on the ground.
Slide Text:
Fascism behaves like:
- Big, emotional symbols: Powerful images, big rallies that increase emotions
- Enjoys violence: Glorifying strength and seeing force/aggression as noble
- Tough, young, and run by men: Praising "young warrior" spirit and male-dominated
- Loyal to a single leader: Charismatic person seen as heroic or god-like
Huge god-like face in sky, people lining up for their leader. Maze on the ground.
Slide Text:
Fascism behaves like:
- Big, emotional symbols: Powerful images, big rallies that increase emotions
- Enjoys violence: Glorifying strength and seeing force/aggression as noble
- Tough, young, and run by men: Praising "young warrior" spirit and male-dominated
- Loyal to a single leader: Charismatic person seen as heroic or god-like
Termite (Fascism) Prevention
Slide Image:
People inspecting their home
Slide Text:
- Regular Inspections: Get good sources of information and stay informed.
- Seal the "Cracks in the Foundation: Support free press, fair elections, and independent courts.
- Maintain proper ventilation: Encourage open dialogue and expression of different viewpoints.
People inspecting their home
Slide Text:
- Regular Inspections: Get good sources of information and stay informed.
- Seal the "Cracks in the Foundation: Support free press, fair elections, and independent courts.
- Maintain proper ventilation: Encourage open dialogue and expression of different viewpoints.
Termite (Fascism) Early Detection
Slide Image:
Ballot box covered in rubble, microphone connected though chains
Slide Text:
- Attacks of free speech and journalism
- Claims of "I can fix everything"
- Critics are enemies
- Intimidation/violence at rallies
- Restricting voting
- Targeting minority rights
Ballot box covered in rubble, microphone connected though chains
Slide Text:
- Attacks of free speech and journalism
- Claims of "I can fix everything"
- Critics are enemies
- Intimidation/violence at rallies
- Restricting voting
- Targeting minority rights
What if I see Signs of Fascism?
Slide Image:
Logo of the planet Saturn, which symbolizes structure and perseverance, and the silhouette of a hand doing a thumbs up inside the planet
Slide Text:
Don't Panic
Logo of the planet Saturn, which symbolizes structure and perseverance, and the silhouette of a hand doing a thumbs up inside the planet
Slide Text:
Don't Panic
Don't
Slide Image:
Person on knees surrounded by people upset and panicking
Slide Text:
- Ignore/dismiss the signs
- Spread unverified rumors
- Act alone or dangerously
- Use violence
- Stay silent because of fear
- Obey in advance
Person on knees surrounded by people upset and panicking
Slide Text:
- Ignore/dismiss the signs
- Spread unverified rumors
- Act alone or dangerously
- Use violence
- Stay silent because of fear
- Obey in advance
Do
Slide Image:
Person with a glowing heart surrounded by community, strength, and embrace
Slide Text:
- Stay calm
- Check reliable sources
- Document, document, document
- Know and claim your rights
- Speak up safely
- Find allies
Person with a glowing heart surrounded by community, strength, and embrace
Slide Text:
- Stay calm
- Check reliable sources
- Document, document, document
- Know and claim your rights
- Speak up safely
- Find allies
Scenario 1: Silencing Dissent in Your Community
Slide Image:
Person on a wheelchair dissenting against leaders at a town hall meeting. The leaders are yelling at the dissenter.
Slide Text:
A school board starts banning books about racism, disability rights, and LGBTQ+ people. At meetings, anyone who speaks up gets shouted down or called "Un-American."
Person on a wheelchair dissenting against leaders at a town hall meeting. The leaders are yelling at the dissenter.
Slide Text:
A school board starts banning books about racism, disability rights, and LGBTQ+ people. At meetings, anyone who speaks up gets shouted down or called "Un-American."
Scenario 2: Scapegoating on Social Media
Slide Image:
A politician on a power trip angrily typing at a keyboard to post on social media
Slide Text:
A local politician posts online saying, "Our city is full of problems because of immigrants and disabled people who live off the system."
A politician on a power trip angrily typing at a keyboard to post on social media
Slide Text:
A local politician posts online saying, "Our city is full of problems because of immigrants and disabled people who live off the system."
Scenario 3: A Leader Wants More Power
Slide Image:
A governor standing on a platform, declaring his power
Slide Text:
A governor says they need "emergency powers" to bypass courts and the legislature because "too much democracy is slowing us down."
A governor standing on a platform, declaring his power
Slide Text:
A governor says they need "emergency powers" to bypass courts and the legislature because "too much democracy is slowing us down."
Scenario 4: Violence Against Protesters
Slide Image:
People peacefully protesting, holding each others hands and lifting their arms up to show that they are peaceful. Police in riot/military gear coldly stand in front of them in numbers.
Slide Text:
People peacefully protest a new law that limits voting rights. In response, police show up with military gear, arrest people, and call them "domestic threats."
People peacefully protesting, holding each others hands and lifting their arms up to show that they are peaceful. Police in riot/military gear coldly stand in front of them in numbers.
Slide Text:
People peacefully protest a new law that limits voting rights. In response, police show up with military gear, arrest people, and call them "domestic threats."
Scenario 5: Emotional Manipulation from a Leader
Slide Image:
A fascist leader on stage manipulating the audience, which is clapping
Slide Text:
A leader gives big speeches saying:
- "We were once a great nation, now we are weak."
- "We must return to our pure past."
- "I'm the only one brave enough to say the truth."
A fascist leader on stage manipulating the audience, which is clapping
Slide Text:
A leader gives big speeches saying:
- "We were once a great nation, now we are weak."
- "We must return to our pure past."
- "I'm the only one brave enough to say the truth."
Key Takeaways
Slide Image:
People on top of a building, standing up against fascism. People in the military are on the ground attempting to fight back, but they can't reach the people fighting fascism on top of the building
Slide Text:
Stay Alert
Stay United
Stay Hopeful
Your voice matters
Keep our "house" strong
People on top of a building, standing up against fascism. People in the military are on the ground attempting to fight back, but they can't reach the people fighting fascism on top of the building
Slide Text:
Stay Alert
Stay United
Stay Hopeful
Your voice matters
Keep our "house" strong
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