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Behind the Aegis

(53,921 posts)
2. You are quite correct about the internalized, acceptable bigotry.
Tue Mar 3, 2015, 01:48 AM
Mar 2015

A big clue is the number of people who actually "joke" about anti-Semitism. "Oh, so and so (usually a Jew) dis/agrees with Israel/another (more popular/acceptable Jew), they must be an anti-Semite!" "If disagreeing means I am an anti-Semite, so be it!" "Excuse me, but I have "Jew blood" in my family...somewhere, from some point...so I can't be an anti-Semite!" Then, there are those who are Jewish when it comes to Israel (almost always as a critic), but don't have shit to say about anti-Semitism, this too is a form of internalized bigotry. This has become a real bone of contention among Jews as a whole. It falls along the lines of "why don't moderate (insert minority group) speak out against (some act committed by someone from said minority group)". Of course, even when they do speak out, it is never enough, or it isn't "approved" and the approval, like with most minority groups, comes from those who aren't part of the said minority.

There is, of course, the old anti-Semitism, and what is called the "new" anti-Semitism. The latter is simply the old made new by tying many things to Israel, so it really isn't "new" it just has a different flavor. Blood libels, conspiracy theories of control of media/politicians/countries, responsibility for all varieties of wars/conflicts, and world conquest have all been hallmarks of traditional anti-Semitism, yet, now are often reflected in so-called "criticism" of Israel. Where the new starts to branch off is the exaggerations and hyperbole used against Israel, while still using traditional memes of anti-Semitism.

It is also "acceptable" to tell Jews what is and isn't anti-Semitism, to downplay it, and to call into question any Jew who claims anti-Semitism. These are generally seen as "right-wing" qualities used against almost all minorities, but it has been more and more commonly used on the left against Jews. We both talked about the "jokes" but there is also the serious acceptance of anti-Semitic filth, such as all Jews are more loyal to Israel (the "old" version were Jews were more loyal to any country other than their own) and are all dual-citizens. That was actually posted here just a few days ago, and more than a few people gulped down the swill as if it were actually true. This is shit peddled at places like Stormfront and National Vanguard, yet, alleged, self-professed "progressives" are spewing the same noxious lies as neo-Nazis. Then there is the use of anti-Semitic sources and authors. Even if one finds an article or story of interest, would one really post it if the link went back to David Duke's site? How about Fred Phelps? But, for some reason, linking to sites which host anti-Semitic theories, blood libels, and even Holocaust denial, seems to pass the muster for some. Some also disguise their anti-Semitism in very clever ways, one which is very obvious. It is much like homophobes who disguise their homophobia is saying things like "I don't see why civil unions aren't enough?" "Do your "rights" really have to supersede the rights of others?" "I don't like any displays of PDA, so I don't know why you people feel the need to have parades and worry about wedding cakes and such." The last one is a bit more obvious, but you'd be surprised how many use that line of thinking. It is similar to those who shelter their anti-Latino feelings in arguments about immigration or use discussions of affirmative action to mask their racism. But, when it comes to Jews, sadly, most seem to miss the boat, and that does include other Jews, and let things slide.

Even if another Holocaust were to take place, G-d forbid, the hate and apathy toward Jews would not change, and would sadly look the way it does now. Sure, there are ebbs and flows of acceptance, even understanding, but, inevitably, things always seem to fall back to the tried and true.

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