Draft:Jason Stanley

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What normalization does is transform the morally extraordinary into the ordinary. It makes us able to tolerate what was once intolerable by making it seem as if this is the way things have always been.
—Stanley excellently summarizing authoritarianism in his book, How Fascism Works.
America’s cool anti-fascist uncle.

Jason Stanley (1969–) is an American philosopher, known mostly for his contributions to philosophy of language and epistemology, linguistics, and cognitive science. He is perhaps best known for his work as a Yale professor and his writings on politics, especially fascism. He is also a writer for the The New York Times.

Personal life[edit]

Jason Stanley comes from an immigrant background; his parents and grandparents were Jewish immigrants fleeing Nazi Germany during its height. His grandmother, Ilse Stanley, was a hero who saved 412 Jews from death during the Holocaust and saw them to safety. Stanley mentions his family roots and history as part of his inspiration for his anti-fascist views and his battle against fascism and for justice.[1]

Best hits[edit]

Stanley’s book, How Fascism Works, is widely considered a best seller and focuses on the tactics of fascism and fascist leaders. In particular, he mentions his family’s experience in Germany during the height of the Third Reich and the beginning of the Holocaust.

Due criticism[edit]

Stanley has been criticized by some for not focusing on fascism in other countries where far-right movements are prevalent (such as Mexico, Iran, Malaysia, and Argentina as examples). Other criticisms are that Stanley conflates conservatism and rightism with fascism (from the right). And from the left, some have criticized Stanley for what they believe is him being “soft” on fascism, due to Stanley’s tactics of nonviolent resistance against fascism, such as utilizing voting and peaceful protesting.[2]

Stanley has also received criticism when he stated that he had dinner with former Nazis members, which many mistakenly interpreted as Stanley defending the legacy of Nazi criminals. However, Stanley stated that he was grappling with the complex aftermath of Germany’s nazi, and was not defending them (no rational person defends Nazis, he was referring to the post WW2 feeling of Jewish remembrance after the holocaust).[3]

References[edit]