Understanding the F-Word: American Fascism and the Politics of Illusion

by David McGowan

By offering a radical review of the last one hundred years of US history, this work is intended as a counterpoint to the rampant revisionism of the flurry of books glorifying the "American Century". Beginning with the rather bold and decidedly controversial assertion that the current political system in place in the United States at the dawn of the twenty-first century is fascism, the first part of this book attempts to justify that claim by first defining exactly what fascism iscorrecting various widely-held misconceptionsand then analyzing how closely we as a nation conform to that definition. Also included is a review of some of the hidden history and key events of World War II. Part II offers a retrospective of the twentieth century American presidential administrations, to demonstrate that the steady and inexorable march towards overt fascism was a defining characteristic that remained unchanged. The final section looks at the still very much alive eugenics movement, and analyzes the role played by the psychiatric establishment in validating the fascist state. This book will surely find no shortage of detractors, but if read with an open mind, it just may change the way you view the world.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction, American

276 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2001

About the author

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Reviews

[Michael Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read for me because I was familiar with most of the main characters and events. He doesn't see much difference between the two parties, which I agree with. Bill Clinton is treated to some severe, fact-based excoriation, reminiscent of a book on the Clintons by Christopher Hitchens.

The author died in 2015. As with the late Hitchens, I think he could write a stunning excoriation of our own era, not necessarily limited to Trump.

[Chris Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again an eye opening tome by Mr McGowan! Upon purchasing the cover made me wonder if it might be a dry read. Not at all. Excellent explanation of the F word and lots of evidence to support it. Really enjoyed the book.

[Pedro V Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightenment on its pure form

Really enjoy reading McGowan, truly a different style loaded with new facts and references, that schools or the main stream never mention or bother to discuss. Recommended and a must read.

[sologdin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some cool details and arguments, but the overall thesis is a bit too aggressive in folding collaborative bourgeois parliamentarianism into fascism.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world we live in

[Tw_buyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Excellent book. Many things were cleared up for me, particularly in regard to WW2. I recommend this book. Thank you.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing. Jaw dropping. Eye opening. Thought provoking. Unnerving. What is real and what is propaganda?

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

this will get you amped up

[Samwise Chamberlain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hanlon's Razor: "never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity."

Pros: A lot of underreported information and connections between powerful individuals.

Cons: works cited severely lacking, cites his previous books, draws conclusions and suppositions without any actual evidence. Unnecessary color commentary abounds.

Since I can't discern which points are fact, and which are the author's inventions, I am disappointed overall.

[Medical Gunch · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like Dave McGowan you’ll probably like this book. It’s not an academic study of Fascism but rather observations and connections put forth by one man. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what McGowan’s politics are, this book is the closest you will get to a clear answer.