Stacey Abrams: Authoritarianism Grows by Scapegoating, Violence

Abrams Identifies Authoritarian Tactics in US

Stacey Abrams, a prominent voting rights advocate and political figure, has detailed the gradual process through which authoritarianism can take hold in a society. She warns that the United States is currently exhibiting specific signs of this dangerous trend, particularly the scapegoating of vulnerable groups and the normalization of state-sanctioned violence. Abrams made these observations during a discussion on the ten steps often seen in the rise of authoritarian regimes.

According to Abrams, steps seven and nine of this authoritarian playbook are actively unfolding. Step seven involves targeting and blaming specific, often defenseless, communities for societal problems. Step nine relates to making violence by the state, or actions that resemble violence, seem acceptable and routine.

Children in Detention Centers as a Warning Sign

Abrams drew a direct line between these abstract concepts and the harsh realities faced by children in detention centers, specifically mentioning the facility in Dilley, Texas. She described the conditions there as a concrete example of how state violence can become normalized. This normalization, she argues, is a crucial element in the broader takeover of authoritarian power.

The detention of children, particularly those seeking refuge or fleeing difficult circumstances, represents a significant concern. When such actions are carried out and then accepted by the public or political discourse, it signals a dangerous shift. This acceptance erodes empathy and makes further oppressive actions easier to implement.

The Gradual Nature of Authoritarianism

Abrams stressed that the rise of authoritarianism is rarely a sudden event. Instead, it is a slow, creeping process that often goes unnoticed by many until it is too late. Each step, though perhaps seeming small on its own, contributes to a larger, more concerning pattern.

This gradual progression allows societies to become accustomed to actions that would have been unthinkable at an earlier stage. By slowly introducing and accepting measures that chip away at rights and freedoms, authoritarians can consolidate power without widespread immediate opposition.

The Role of Scapegoating

Scapegoating is a powerful tool for authoritarians. It involves identifying a specific group and blaming them for economic hardship, social unrest, or other widespread issues. This diverts attention from the real causes of problems and creates an ‘us versus them’ mentality.

When vulnerable communities are scapegoated, they lack the political power to effectively defend themselves. This makes them easy targets for public anger and government action. Abrams’s point highlights how this tactic is not just cruel but strategically employed to weaken societal cohesion and build support for repressive measures.

Normalizing Violence and State Power

The normalization of state violence is equally critical. This can range from aggressive policing tactics to harsh immigration policies or the use of force against protestors. When the public becomes desensitized to these actions, it lowers the threshold for what is considered acceptable behavior from those in power.

Abrams connects this to the treatment of children in facilities like Dilley. Such policies, when presented as necessary for security or order, can gradually become accepted. This acceptance then enables more extreme uses of state power, further cementing authoritarian control.

Connecting to Current Events

Abrams’s analysis provides a framework for understanding current events through the lens of authoritarian progression. Her focus on concrete examples, like the situation in detention centers, makes the abstract threat of authoritarianism more tangible for the public.

By speaking out and identifying these steps, Abrams aims to raise awareness and encourage resistance. Her work emphasizes the importance of vigilance and the need to push back against actions that erode democratic norms and human rights, even when they appear to be small or isolated incidents.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing discussion about democratic backsliding and the rise of authoritarian tactics worldwide makes Abrams’s insights particularly relevant. Her framework is a warning and a call to action for citizens to recognize and oppose the subtle ways in which freedoms can be diminished.

Future attention will likely focus on how civil society, lawmakers, and ordinary citizens respond to instances of scapegoating and the normalization of state actions. The effectiveness of these responses will be crucial in determining whether the United States can steer clear of the authoritarian path Abrams has outlined.

Source: Stacey Abrams on how authoritarianism takes over: “Normalizing violence, scapegoating the vulnerable (YouTube)