These terms are found in the media and social web
sites much too often lately. However, it seems most are unaware of
what each term means as they call anyone with a different point of
view any of these words interchangeably.
Nazism - Nazi was formed from the first two syllables of the
German pronunciation of the word 'national' (na-tsi̯-o-ˈnaːl). Its
political and economic doctrines were put into effect by the Nazis
in Germany from 1933 to 1945, including the totalitarian principle
of government, predominance of Germanic groups assumed to be
racially superior, and supremacy of the leader. It arose from
attempts to create a nationalist redefinition of 'socialism' as an
alternative to both socialism and free market capitalism. It is usually characterized
as a form of fascism that incorporates scientific racism and
anti-Semitism, developed from the influences of Pan-Germanism and
the anti-communist movement. It aimed to overcome social divisions
and create a homogeneous society, unified on the basis of racial
purity.
Bottom line, Nazism is
racist, anti-Semitist, anti democracy, anti capitalist, anti
communist, and anti socialist.
Fascism - Originates from Italian fascismo, equivalent to
fascio, meaning bundle or political group. The ideology
originated in Italy and was established by Mussolini beginning
during 1922 and is a governmental system led by a dictator
having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and
criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and
emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism. He
founded the National Fascist Party. His economic system intended
to resolve class conflict through collaboration between the
classes.
Bottom line, Fascism is militaristic, nationalistic, racist,
anti democratic, anti liberal, anti Marxist, and organizes a
country along hierarchical authoritarianism without ethical or
legal restraints, and it is dedicated to increase its territory.
Socialism - Under Socialism, equality is the main focus.
Instead of workers owning the facilities and tools for
production, workers are paid and allowed to spend their wages as
they choose, while the governing body owns and operates the
means of production for the benefit of the working class. Each
worker is provided with necessities so he is able to produce
without worry for basic needs. Advancement and production are
limited because there is no incentive to achieve more. Without
motivation to succeed, workers' human instincts prohibit drive
and desire due to no incentives.
"Machines and other improvements must serve to ease the work of
all and not to enable a few to grow rich at the expense of
millions and tens of millions of people. This new and better
society is called socialist society. The teachings about this
society are called 'socialism'." ~ Vladimir Lenin
Socialism and Communism are structures that promote equality and
seek to eliminate social classes. Sometimes, the two are used
interchangeably, though they are different. Communism is a
political system, socialism is primarily an economic system. Both
espouse everyone doing their share and working together to
provide for the greater good. Each utilizes a planned production
schedule to ensure the needs of all community members are met.
They are utopian economic structures that some countries have
tried, but most have failed or became dictatorships. Socialist
philosophy is "From each according to his ability, to each
according to his contribution."
Bottom line, Socialism is mainly an economic system that
espouses equality among the masses, dictated by leadership that
owns all the resources. Two kinds of property: personal
property, such as houses, clothing, etc. owned by the individual
and public property including factories, and means of production
are owned by the State, but with worker control.
Communism - From the French word communisme, a doctrine
based on Marxian socialism and Leninism that was the official
ideology of the U.S.S.R. It grew out of the Socialist movement
and is a system of social organization based on the holding of
all property in common, with actual ownership belonging to the
community or the totalitarian state dominated by a single and
self-perpetuating political party. The communist philosophy
embraces a communal lifestyle to share all economic and material
products between inhabitants of the commune, so that all may
benefit from everybody's work. Communist philosophy is "From
each according to his ability, to each according to his needs".
The Soviet Union was officially dissolved on December 26, 1991.
Currently, countries controlled by Marxist–Leninist parties
under a single-party system include the People's Republic of
China, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and North Korea. Many other
countries have Communist parties, that are not dominant.
Bottom line, Communism is totalitarian, anti individual
ownership, and anti capitalist. It is equated with socialism and
contrasted with democracy and capitalism. Communism is
considered an extreme form of socialism. Private property is
abolished. The concept of property is negated and replaced with
the concept of commons and ownership with "usership".
Interesting to note
that all four of these 'isms' promote equality, but all have a
ruling class that is above the community and enjoys the riches
denied to the masses.