Dave Rubin, accidentally self-aware, tells the entire internet ‘I am a fascist’

When somebody calls themselves a “classic liberal” nowadays, it’s usually a code for “I think the n-word is really cool, actually.” Alleged free speech warrior Dave Rubin is a prime example of this. Like many fame chasers, he was once a relatively level-headed commenter, but, in a tale as old as YouTube, when he realized outrage drove engagement (and therefore his bank account), he suddenly veered to the right. Now he speaks from the conservative handbook: complaining about college students being too liberal, and that society is being destroyed. But just how dangerous is he?

In a recent Tweet, Rubin made fun of a Twitter user who labelled him a “fascist.” And, while it’s nice to see that somebody on the right actually knows about (and acknowledges) the importance of corporations in the rise of Fascism, it’s also fair to say he’s not exactly distancing himself from beliefs that were integral to the dangerous ideology that swept across the world in the early and mid-20th century.

The forces that led to the rise of fascism are too numerous to discuss here, but some of them seem a little too familiar for comfort: the torrid aftermath of a great economic crisis and pandemic, the rise of ultra-nationalist and militaristic rhetoric, and a huge explosion of bigotry toward all minorities were all precursors to the ideology growing in strength. If you’ve been paying attention, you might have noticed some of those things happening right now, and Rubin is one of the many people stoking the flames for his own gratification – even while people like him are suffering.

There are some more targeted examples of his rhetoric mirroring fascist talking points too. Despite being gay himself, Rubin is a big fan of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, because his subscriber numbers are more important than having a sense of self respect. As any decent historian will tell you, in fascist societies so-called undesirables, like members of the LGBTQ+ community, were first demonized as threats to children, followed by information and research about their lives being destroyed, before they were finally sent to camps or killed.

He also calls himself a member of the cringe-inducingly titled “intellectual dark web,” which many reputable journalists and academics have proven is a slip-n-slide to extreme right wing views. Add in the fact that he adores the concept of nationalism, has people advocating false, racist race-replacement theories on his show, and his absolute (and familiar) obsession with the idea that left-wing thought is a corrupting force, and you have some of the most important building blocks of a fascist society.

So, next time, maybe Dave should have a think before he tries to be snarky on Twitter.