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In reply to the discussion: Anti-Semitism: One Jew's perspective about recent events (long read) [View all]Behind the Aegis
(53,987 posts)31. More sophistry.
If, now, in the context of discussions of anti-Semitism, an Arabic person who experiences discrimination were to point out "I'm a Semite", they would be linguistically correct to do so. But the OP would classify that as an instance of bigotry.
While they would be correct to point out they are "Semitic" it doesn't change the meaning of "anti-Semitism". You claim it isn't an academic example, and you are correct, thus the use of the word "sophistry." It is a fallacious argument meant to distract and misinform. According to you, and those like you, if someone attacked Ivanka Trump, calling her a "filthy kike", she wouldn't be a victim of anti-Semitism because she isn't a "Semite". Not all victims of anti-Semitism are "Semites", because that isn't the meaning of the word. If you are so concerned about the imprecise nature of language, then would you mind, assuming you love children, being called a "pedophile"? After all, that word means "lover of children". Or, would you see it as "bullshit" trying to cast aspersions about you as a person, and changing the subject in order to take away from whatever argument you were making?
Discrimination against Arabs exists, it simply doesn't have a "fancy" name. All your argument is, well, nothing but a strawman. Do you use they same "logic" when someone uses the term "Islamophobia"? Surely you understand the word really means "fear of Islam" and not "discrimination, prejudice, and/or hate against Muslims"? Right?!
As for your last paragraph...jingling keys; unoriginal. You are trying to distract from another point I made and that is commenting on the "evils" of Israel doesn't change the nature of anti-Semitism. When anti-Semitism is committed, if your first comment is "but...but...Israel" it is a form of anti-Semitism, as much as an act of Islamophobia followed by "but...but...9-11" is Islamophobic (assuming you understand the meaning of that word). The concept is the person is trying to move the conversation from an act of bigotry, and in essence, blame the victim for said attack.
While they would be correct to point out they are "Semitic" it doesn't change the meaning of "anti-Semitism". You claim it isn't an academic example, and you are correct, thus the use of the word "sophistry." It is a fallacious argument meant to distract and misinform. According to you, and those like you, if someone attacked Ivanka Trump, calling her a "filthy kike", she wouldn't be a victim of anti-Semitism because she isn't a "Semite". Not all victims of anti-Semitism are "Semites", because that isn't the meaning of the word. If you are so concerned about the imprecise nature of language, then would you mind, assuming you love children, being called a "pedophile"? After all, that word means "lover of children". Or, would you see it as "bullshit" trying to cast aspersions about you as a person, and changing the subject in order to take away from whatever argument you were making?
Discrimination against Arabs exists, it simply doesn't have a "fancy" name. All your argument is, well, nothing but a strawman. Do you use they same "logic" when someone uses the term "Islamophobia"? Surely you understand the word really means "fear of Islam" and not "discrimination, prejudice, and/or hate against Muslims"? Right?!
As for your last paragraph...jingling keys; unoriginal. You are trying to distract from another point I made and that is commenting on the "evils" of Israel doesn't change the nature of anti-Semitism. When anti-Semitism is committed, if your first comment is "but...but...Israel" it is a form of anti-Semitism, as much as an act of Islamophobia followed by "but...but...9-11" is Islamophobic (assuming you understand the meaning of that word). The concept is the person is trying to move the conversation from an act of bigotry, and in essence, blame the victim for said attack.
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Anti-Semitism: One Jew's perspective about recent events (long read) [View all]
Behind the Aegis
Feb 2017
OP
Really well done - thanks for your efforts to expand our thinking and understanding.
NRaleighLiberal
Feb 2017
#1
I agree with you that the new "president" is partly responsible for a surge in anti-Semitism.
Behind the Aegis
Feb 2017
#17
I am just afraid I will wake up soon and read DU and it won't be a threat but an actual event.
Behind the Aegis
Feb 2017
#19
Excellent response. And understated. I also appreciate your time and thought in putting together
JudyM
Feb 2017
#49
"Do not 'redefine' anti-Semitism to include others who aren't Jews" - Then why choose a terminology
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#13
in answer to your first point, words and phrases mean what they mean.
Warren DeMontague
Feb 2017
#15
The language can be problematic precisely because there is substantial discrimination
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#28
Again, the only times I have ever seen people broaden the usual definition of the word, it was done
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#35
you seem to desperately want to make a point, and yet you're afraid to actually come out
Warren DeMontague
Feb 2017
#37
My point: Bigotry against Arabs exists, both on a systemic and individual level, and is a problem
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#42
You are projecting. The OP has defined one very specific act as being bigoted, the factuality
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#44
This is a serious thread about a serious issue and taking issue with it as you are strikes others
JudyM
Feb 2017
#50
What I take issue with is when people slip trace amount of a nationalistic ideology into what is
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#64
Do you find that people still try to accuse Jews of being the bigots when you bring this up?
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#74