Why Are Modern Day Nazis Called Neo-Nazis But Modern Day Communists Are Not Called Neo-Communists?

Introduction

The naming and categorization of contemporary ideologies and movements in society often reflect historical and cultural contexts. One of the intriguing contrasts in modern terminology is the distinction between modern day Nazis, referred to as Neo-Nazis, and modern day communists, who are not commonly labeled as Neo-Communists. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this linguistic variance.

The Nature of Modern Ideologies

Marxism and Neo-Marxism

At its core, communism, including Marxist and neo-Marxist ideologies, represents a utopian vision of the end goal for various political factions. Detractors and historians often point out that the term Marxism is not exclusively tied to Karl Marx’s writings, such as Das Kapital. Instead, it serves as an umbrella term that encompasses a broad range of theories and methodologies derived from Marx’s ideas. The applicability and adaptability of Marxist thought mean that it can blend with other ideologies, leading to the emergence of Neo-Marxism.

“Marxism is not necessarily what Karl Marx wrote in Das Kapital also called Capital. A Critique of Political Economy but whatever it is that all the warring sects believe who claim to be the faithful. From the gospels you cannot deduce the history of Christianity nor from the Constitution the political history of America. It is Das Kapital as conceived the gospels as preached and the preachment as understood the Constitution as interpreted and administered to which you have to go.” ― Walter Lippmann, Public Opinion

Marx, while recognizing the existence of classes and class struggles, never claimed to have originated this observation. He argued that economic structure dictated historical development, leading to the dominance of the proletariat. Although the focus of his writings was on economic issues, his impact significantly propelled him into the realms of sociology and history. The concept of dialectical materialism, a key tenet of Marxist thought, still guides many contemporary political movements, including neo-Marxists.

Nazism and Neo-Nazism

In contrast, the ideology of Nazism was formed in the early 20th century and was deeply entrenched in a specific political and social framework. Unlike Marxism, Nazism is often seen as a specific, unambiguous movement with a clear set of beliefs and practices. Neo-Nazism, on the other hand, refers to individuals or groups that espouse or support some of the principles and actions associated with the original Nazi regime, even if they do not explicitly belong to the original party.

The term Neo-Nazi is used to describe those who adhere to or promote Nazi ideology in a modern context, often through far-right groups or individuals who may not belong to the original Nazi Party but share similar beliefs. This term reflects the continuity of core ideologies, particularly the aspects of anti-semitism and nationalism that were central to the original movement. However, it also acknowledges the evolving nature of these beliefs in a contemporary setting.

The Historical Context

During World War II, the Nazis sought to exterminate many groups, particularly the Jewish population, and treated many nations with cruelty and oppression, Greece being one of them. The rubble of this history necessitates a clear distinction when labeling contemporary movements. When modern individuals or groups espouse similar beliefs or actions, the term Neo-Nazi is often used to highlight the direct link to the past, emphasizing the continuity and impact of these ideologies.

The Controversy and Rebranding

Recent instances highlight the complexities of this issue. For example, in Canada, Soviet-era collaborators who propagandized in support of Nazi Germany were brought to the public attention. These individuals, some of whom arehonored as heroes within Ukrainian communities, provide a stark contrast when viewed through a modern lens. The political landscape in Canada, particularly in terms of government and media relations, demonstrates how these historical traumas can influence public discourse and categorization.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s apology for honoring a Nazi collaborator in the Parliament illustrates the sensitivity of this issue. It reflects the ongoing struggle to reconcile historical memory with contemporary political identities and the linguistic challenges in accurately describing modern ideologies.

Conclusion

The differences in terminology between Neo-Nazis and Neo-Communists reflect the varying historical, cultural, and political contexts of these ideologies. While Marxism remains flexible and adaptable, Nazism is seen as more rigid and specific, requiring the term Neo-Nazi to establish continuity with the past. This distinction highlights the importance of accurately understanding and describing modern ideologies in the face of complex historical legacies.