Black History Interactive: Fascist or Patriotic: Today’s Protests and Parade

In this incisive and timely episode, historian Eddie K. Phillips examines the delicate boundary between patriotism and fascism—and how modern protests, parades, and public symbols can shift from democratic expression to authoritarian spectacle. As nationalistic imagery grows more mainstream, Eddie unpacks how regime-style displays, militarized pageantry, and exclusionary rhetoric are being reframed as patriotic.Through historical parallels, contemporary analysis, and legal context, this livestream probes critical questions: When does a civic event turn ideological? How does media framing influence public perception of protest? And who gets to define what’s truly “American”?Listeners will gain historical clarity, emotional insight, and a grounded framework to critically assess today’s public rituals and their power to uphold—or erode—democratic values.💡 Key Topics Covered:Historical lineage of parades in fascist and authoritarian regimesTransformation of protest symbols into political theaterRole of race, media, and gender in shaping nationalist narrativesDistinguishing between democratic dissent and performative nationalismStrategies for civic vigilance and informed cultural engagement