There is a fascist within you
Lurking to come out,
Given the right opportunity
There is a punisher in you
Taking pleasure from hurting others
Demeaning them
Ripping them into shreds
(If you could get away with it)
It will surely spring into action
When the conditions are right
There is a follower in you
Offering no resistance or opposition
When the dark winds come
Too willing to go along with the powerful
To engage in questionable acts on their behalf
Targeting your fellow human beings
You’ll conceal yourself in the crowd
Your exemption from any liability
And when someone raises a worry
You’ll turn to them and say:
“Decent and law-abiding people
Don’t get nailed to the cross.”
Alas, unless you are critical of yourself
Unless you have your own mind
Unless you are committed to peace
Unless you have thought a great deal
About life under authoritarianism
There is a fascist in you
Yes, in you.
Waiting in ambush
All too ready
To click his or her boots
In subordination
-Rotterdam, Netherlands
