| This lesson addresses the importance of clearly defining fascism and the term “fascist,” as the careless use of these words today is causing students to be gravely misled and conclusions to be drawn that dangerously undermine America’s place as the beacon of freedom in the world. Some educational organizations are claiming that the United States is showing signs akin to fascism, which could convince students that the nation known for its commitment to freedom is turning toward something sinister. This lesson was developed to challenge such narratives by helping students understand the real differences between fascism and democracy, so they can better discern when the term “fascist” is being misused in political banter and when it might genuinely apply.
[The teacher may use the word ‘republic’ in place of ‘democracy,’ but note that in contemporary political discourse students will hear ‘democracy’ more often as, for example, in the common phrase ‘threat to democracy.’] |
Download Lesson Plan: Fascism-v.-Democracy
