In my last article, I wrote on the idea of Novus Ordo Seclorum, the phrase present on the back of a dollar bill. This Latin phrase translates to “The New Order for the Ages”, and was fitting given American uniqueness in introducing ideals of freedom, liberty, and equality into the global governmental sphere. Yet, I made the argument that a New Order is rising in America, namely soft totalitarianism. Rod Dreher outlines this rising ideology in his book Live Not By Lies, and states, “Soft totalitarianism exploits decadent modern man’s preferences for personal pleasure over principles, including political liberties” (Dreher 10). This rising New Order does not immediately present itself like authoritarian nations of history with possible “imposition of cruel punishments” or other consequences for not tiptoeing the state’s lines (Dreher 10). Yet we are slowly arriving at the point where harsh consequences and social anathema bombard the reality for any dissident of the cultural narrative. It is vital that Christians, conservatives, and those who love the American system – the original “Novus Ordo”- understand the ideological shift that is currently occurring, and resist the convenience of betraying the truth.
Soft Totalitarianism presents itself in many forms, and in retrospect, has been around for quite some time. We hear of cases such as Jack Phillips, or Barronelle Stutzman, who had their businesses and livelihoods ruined due to their convictions. We lived through the creation of free speech zones on college campuses because certain individuals or ideas triggered students who thought differently. We tolerated the dangerous actions and encroachment of big technological corporations and now reap the consequences. In these events, the survivors of communism who fled to the United States often saw, and continue to see, dangerous parallels to the fall of their homelands. The fascinating thing about soft totalitarianism is how it uses comfort and convenience to lull the population to obedience. Bill Hull, President of the Bonhoeffer Project, wrote, “Soft totalitarianism won’t be enforced with prisons, it will punish you in more subtle ways; it will grade you regarding the controlling societal narrative.” This “grading” can very easily be brought about by social media, and Big Tech companies. The recent prominence of Critical Theory, specifically Critical Race Theory, provides even more ideological fuel for soft totalitarianism to advance. Once an individual is branded as an “oppressor”, whether that is through the labeling of “racist”, “sexist”, or “homophobic”, they are subjected to the harsh reality of cancel culture and public vitriol. The most recent case of this social “grading” can be witnessed in the discussion surrounding masks and vaccination as it pertains to the COVID-19 virus. There is a clear societal narrative regarding this debate, and if anyone advocates a contrary view, there is clear pushback. Furthermore, it is now evident that government, public policy, educational institutions, and even businesses are seeking to punish individuals who go against their narrative. For example, although many universities, including my campus, have already announced ample benefits for vaccinated individuals, now certain colleges are starting to penalize unvaccinated individuals. Quinnipiac University recently broadcasted its policy to restrict WiFi to unvaccinated students along with possible fines.
This past year, soft totalitarianism has been on full display with both COVID policies as well as ideological battlegrounds. For example, there are numerous influencers, and even politicians, who have been banned, censored, and removed from social media platforms for disagreeing with the prescribed social narrative. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who is also a doctor, was censored on YouTube for a speech he gave on the Senate floor regarding COVID, as well as an additional video where Senator Paul questioned the efficacy of masks. Even though Senator Paul rationally demonstrated his position and “quoted two peer-reviewed articles” supporting his claim, he was still censored. Similarly, conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey was recently censored by Twitter after she misgendered an Olympic athlete. After being reinstated on the platform, she stood by her position, yet the consequences were clear. Censorship, a common tool of totalitarianism, was the response to her stating the truth, and basic biology, in the attempt to protect certain individuals and enforce a liberal ideology. Yet Rod Dreher writes,
We must be on guard, and realize what is happening in our society. Like Alexander Solzhenitsyn, we must pledge to “Live Not By Lies”, and instead speak truth through our lifestyles and choices regardless of the consequences. Perhaps, there is still time to stem the tide of the Norvus Ordo, and defend the values we cherish.
Sources:
Dreher, Rod, Live Not By Lies: A Manual For Christian Dissidents, Penguin Random House LLC, 2020
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