Antifa Is Not a Dirty Word

Antifa has a noble past and a hopeful future

One sure way to start a heated debate among most Americans is to merely mention the term Antifa. Some appreciate its bold stance against authoritarianism. Others revile it, including the Trump administration, which has labeled Antifa “a domestic terrorist organization.” Is that label accurate?

Is Antifa a Terrorist Organization?

A common dictionary definition for the word organization is “an administrative and functional structure (such as a business or a political party).” Based on that definition, FBI Director Christopher Wray was accurate when he described Antifa as “an ideology, not an organization.” So, then, what is a dictionary definition of an ideology? “A manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture.” In other words, Antifa is more like a loosely shared philosophy or worldview than an official organization.

Antifa is not an organization. It has no headquarters or set of elected officers or leaders. It has no vision statement or mission statement. It has no formalized goals. Although informally, its obvious, shared goal is to oppose fascism.

Does Antifa Employ Terrorist Tactics?

But the more important question is whether these diverse, loosely aligned anti-fascist groups employ terrorist tactics. Within any group or coalition of groups, there likely will be some who tend toward extremism. Antifa is no different. A relative few within the Antifa movement have gone too far; they have destroyed property and acted irresponsibly. But most Americans within the Antifa movement have behaved peacefully and respectfully in their opposition to fascistic authoritarianism.

Why Oppose Fascism?

Fascism is: “a populist political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual, that is associated with a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, and that is characterized by severe economic and social regimentation and by forcible suppression of opposition.” Does that sound like a life most Americans would choose?

Antifa’s Noble History and Hopeful Future

Opposition to fascism is not a new phenomenon. The term Antifa is an anglicized, shortened version of the German word antifaschistisch, which was coined in the 1930s by Germans who opposed the rise of Hitler and the Nazis. Over the following decade or so, it was anti-fascist (Antifa) democracies, aided by the Russians, that defeated the imperialistic, brutal, fascist armies of Germany, Italy, and Japan in World War 2. 

So, I am not ashamed to call myself Antifa. (However, I am a bit concerned that I might be inviting violent reactions to this declaration.) Antifa has a noble past and a hopeful future, a future when every person—with no exceptions—will be treated with dignity and respect.