If You're Free to Complain about Fascism, You Don't Live in a Fascist Country.

 Jenna McCarthy discusses the incorrect use of the term "fascism" by some individuals in America, particularly celebrities and commentators. She argues that legitimate fascism does not allow the freedoms that Americans currently enjoy, contrasting the situation in the U. S. with truly authoritarian regimes around the world.

1. Personal Anecdote: McCarthy recalls a past argument where she effectively ended a relationship after being called stupid, asserting that while she has flaws, being called stupid is not one of them.

2. Misleading Comparisons: She criticizes people for labeling political figures like Trump as dictators, arguing that these labels are often exaggerated insults lacking real evidence.

3. Real Dictatorship vs. Democracy: Contrasting the U. S. with North Korea, McCarthy highlights how North Koreans face severe consequences for consuming foreign media, whereas in the U. S., people can express their displeasure without fear of retribution.

4. Freedom of Expression: McCarthy emphasizes that if individuals can publicly complain about their government and organize protests, they do not live under a fascist regime. Freedom of speech is a fundamental aspect of American society.

5. Critique of Celebrity Activism: She points out that celebrities criticizing the government often have more freedom than they acknowledge and argues they celebrate some forms of authoritarianism, like vaccine mandates during COVID-19.

6. Global Context: McCarthy expands her discussion beyond the U. S., illustrating the harsh realities of true authoritarian regimes in countries like China, Iran, and Russia, where dissent is met with violence and oppression.

7. False Sense of Oppression: People in America may feel their freedoms are threatened, but McCarthy argues this perception is often exaggerated and doesn't reflect the harsh realities experienced in actual authoritarian states.

McCarthy concludes by reminding readers that true oppression means having no voice, no rights to dissent, and no access to unrestricted media. She asserts that when people label their situation in America as fascism, they misunderstand the concept of freedom, highlighting the importance of recognizing the privileges Americans have in comparison to those facing real tyranny elsewhere. She suggests that, if one feels so oppressed, they are welcome to "expatriate" given the freedoms available to them.

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