Anatomy of a Moral Panic: The repressive machine currently arrayed against campus protests follows a familiar pattern.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

https://jewishcurrents.org/anatomy-of-a-moral-panic

This kind of attempt to ahistorically cast a dynamic as “new” is a common feature of a “moral panic,” a phenomenon long theorized by scholars. In fact, much of the “new antisemitism” conversation maps onto the classic features of a moral panic. The sociologist Stanley Cohen, who articulated the first theory of “moral panics” in the late 1960s, summarized their main elements in the introduction to the 2002 third edition of Folk Devils and Moral Panics:

They are new (lying dormant perhaps, but hard to recognize; deceptively ordinary and routine, but invisibly creeping up the moral horizon)—but also old (camouflaged versions of traditional and well-known evils). They are damaging in themselves—but also merely warning signs of the real, much deeper and more prevalent condition. They are transparent (anyone can see what’s happening)—but also opaque: accredited experts must explain the perils hidden behind the superficially harmless (decode a rock song’s lyrics to see how they led to a school massacre).

The discourse around the “new antisemitism” shares this three-part structure. First, the theory’s proponents acknowledge that antisemitism has a long history as a mode of hatred and discrimination. Yet there is an explicit attempt to present it as new, modifying its meaning so it can be specifically marshaled to support the Israeli state. Secondly, this “new antisemitism,” the argument goes, is bad in itself, but it is also a warning sign of other social ills—most of all, of the dangerous radicalization of the left, and of the impending rise of other forms of hate. And, finally, the rise of antisemitism is posited as self-evident, clear for anyone to understand; yet the source of antisemitism is presented as opaque, such that expert analysts of the “new antisemitism” are required to reveal the purported threats of left-wing movements.

This script recurs again and again in moments when Israel faces increased international criticism for its violence against Palestinian people. Like other moral panics, this one is a sign of a crisis—in this case, the crisis of Zionism, but also US imperialism more broadly. Now that an unprecedented number of people have joined the movement protesting US support for what many experts have classified as genocide in Gaza, it’s no surprise that the wheels of the “new antisemitism” narrative machine are furiously turning. The theory of moral panics can help us understand its mechanisms of repression.

[JustAnotherGen]

1. PBS Reports on Rising Antisemistism - April 2023

The April 2023 date precedes the October 7 Pogrom in Israel.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/antisemitic-incidents-on-rise-across-the-u-s-report-finds

JERUSALEM (AP) — Antisemitism rose in the U.S. in 2022 and shows little sign of abating worldwide as political radicals have gained mainstream popularity, researchers said in a report released Monday.

Last year’s report found that 2021 set a new high for antisemitic incidents, with the coronavirus pandemic fueling a worldwide rise in antisemitism. This year the researchers said that “2022 did not mark a universal reversal of the trend, and in some countries, most alarmingly the United States, it intensified.”

The rise in Jew-hatred in the U.S. is not limited to white supremacists. It said that “the antisemitism of the far-right and far-left are pushing into the mainstream of American culture and politics from both sides.”

I believe my own eyes and ears. This anti semitism has been bubbling beneath the surface of America for a long time. We aren't Exceptional. We are the rule.

[atreides1]

3. Okay

The last part of the article is very interesting.

In Israel, the report also criticized the new government’s inclusion of the ultranationalist religious Jewish Power party, founded by the successor of the late racist anti-Arab rabbi, Meir Kahane. The paper said the party has “polluted Israeli public discourse with chilling racist expressions that would have led to the immediate termination of their political careers in other democracies.”

“The obvious must be stated: Racism is racism, and Jewish racism is as deplorable as other forms of racism, and should never be excused or tolerated,” the report said.

[JustAnotherGen]

4. Agree

But I'm focused solely on the USA. I don't care about what happens in Israel or Gaza - I care about Americans who are being shit on because of their religion.

[Goddessartist]

2. Thank you.

The automatic cries of 'antisemitism' lessen the impact and reality of the term. My hubby is Jewish - he shakes his head when I read to him posts from this forum. like the recent one stating 'calling Israel guilty of genocide is anti-semitic AF'. So, telling the truth is anti semitic to them.

[JustAnotherGen]

5. Ask him how he feels

About Sudan - because that is Peak Genocide.

[Goddessartist]

7. First

how do you feel about the genocide? All genocide is bad. Sudan is not what we're discussing. Nice try though.

[JustAnotherGen]

9. I was actually working for a Congress Woman

In 1994 and I got that position because of a paper I wrote regarding the American Non Response to Genocide.

I took the calls from Rwandans begging us for help (Have PTSD to this day) and remember Deputy Assistant Secretary Bushnell crumbling to the floor because our country refused to help these people.

Nice try - but some of us have BTDT - and I don't see a genocide in Gaza. They are not being killed for what they are.

They are being killed because their political leadership - Hamas - refuses to accept a two state solution and refuses to give back human beings kidnapped during a terrorist attack.

I will never move away from that. And when I contrast with Sudan - in the here and now - they are experiencing an actual Genocide because of WHAT they are. There are non muslims in Gaza.

[Goddessartist]

14. Well,

you just showed me another American non response to genocide. Thanks.

[AloeVera]

24. Please consider.

All respect to you for your efforts with the Rwanda genocide. You are a person of conscience and paid a terrible price. I am sorry for that.

I wonder two things though.

Is it possible your witnessing of Rwanda at a closer hand than most of us has convinced you a genocide must mirror the scale and horror of Rwanda to be considered such? Genocide take various forms and is not a numbers or percentages game. About 5% of Gaza's population has been killed or maimed. Now we find out the Ministry of Health in Gaza has lost track of the dead due to destruction of the medical and other infrastructure. There are dead lying in the streets, unmarked graves, under rubble. Tens of thousands. No one knows the exact number. Back in November the number of missing and presumed u der rubble was 7,000. Also consider the impact of trauma, loss of education, impact of severe malnutrition and emaciation on young children and their development. The future generation has been damaged, lessened. Is that also not a "destruction of a people"? Then look at the creation of famine risking mass deaths, the desteuction of conditions necessary to life and the resulting disease, epidemics, suffering. It's mind-boggling to me, the genocide-denial.

The second thing to consider is are you looking at this in the context of the 75+ year I/P issue? The killing and ethnic cleansing has been going on a long time. I see the current killing and future likely "transfer" of Palestinians outside Gaza in a continuum with a very bad end.

Also it's not religion, it's ethnicity. Palestinians have a plausible right to be protected from genocide per the ICJ based on their ethnicity as Arabs, not Muslims. As you point out there are Christians too. From this angle, "they are being killed for what they are". An ethnic people in the way of the creation of Greater Israel. October 7th is being used as a pretext to accomplish long-sought goals. I see that as genocide.

[AloeVera]

47. Full, original meaning of genocide. Very interesting.

The term 'genocide' was coined in 1944 by a Jewish Polish legal scholar, Raphael Lemkin, who wrote[g] that "the term does not necessarily signify mass killings".[159][160]

More often [genocide] refers to a coordinated plan aimed at destruction of the essential foundations of the life of national groups so that these groups wither and die like plants that have suffered a blight. The end may be accomplished by the forced disintegration of political and social institutions, of the culture of people, of their language, their national feelings and their religion. It may be accomplished by wiping out all basis of personal security, liberty, health and dignity. When these means fail the machine gun can always be utilized as a last resort. Genocide is directed against a national group as an entity and the attack on individualthes is only secondary to the annihilation of the national group to which they belong.[159]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestinian_genocide_accusation

Now look at Gaza and I/P again.

[Lonestarblue]

101. Exactly.

[shrike3]

45. Why aren't we talking about Sudan?

Are the Sudanese less important than Palestinians?

[BannonsLiver]

48. Because it's not trendy and the TV cameras wouldn't be there

That limits the fun of the cosplay (cultural appropriation).

[obamanut2012]

71. Go start an OP

I'll post in it

[shrike3]

75. Take it up with the poster who dismissed Sudan

And all the others who apparently have no interest in it.

[obamanut2012]

70. This is not the Oppression Olympics

Most of us can feel outrage at many things at once.

[Demsrule86]

12. There is no doubt that some of these protestors are antisemitic.

And this is the United States, not Israel... You leave out that Israel was attacked by Hamas and there are still hostages. I do not nor ever will support Hamas and I am horrified by Israel's behavior in GAZA. Biden is doing what he can. I think Israel (Netanayuh) is wrong. However, the the protests need to stop. Who will pay for all the vandalism? Many of these kids have destroyed their future and do not have the right to negatively impact other student's education. Many will likely be kicked out of college It is a damn shame. It is not 1967 and it is not our war. A two-state solution is the only way forward. And these demonstrations only embolden Hamas and make a settlement less likely. Only when Arabs accept Israel's right to exist and Israel stops trying to take more land will this end.

[Nutty Putty]

13. The Protests Should Continue...

..until Israel is stops is genocide and Netanyahu and his cabinet are charged with war crimes. Long ago Israel should have been FORCED by the rest of civilized society to return to their 1967 border. Obviously they haven't and all the while they've continued to steal land that is not thiers and then internationally whine about anti-semitism. Please...give me a break.

Unless Biden reassesses his approach with Israel, he is at risk giving TSF another term.

[shrike3]

37. Biden is not president of Israel. he cannot unilaterally stop the war.

[AloeVera]

41. Those bombs, mortar rounds, essential parts etc

Are what's killing the Palestinians.

[shrike3]

43. What makes you think Bibi will stop if we withdraw aid?

Eighty-five percent of their military budget will be intact. Asking support withdrawn is one thing. Assuming that will stop the conflict is another.

[AloeVera]

78. The U.S. has now fully funded this war.

Combined funding of $3.8 B +14.5 B + 17 B is over $35 BILLION. I've seen estimates that the direct costs of the war for 8-12 months are about $25 billion. So the U.S. has funded the whole thing and then some.

The 85% you are referring to is irrelevant now. That was true before the war.

But you have a point. Since the U.S. has already funded the war and provided all the necessary weaponry, it kind of makes the whole argument of withdrawing aid to stop the war moot. Netanyahu got everything he wanted for his war and he can continue as he wants.

[shrike3]

84. I have found nothing that supports your figures.

But the fact remains that Israel is a sovereign nation. Short of waving a magic wand, Biden cannot singlehandedly stop a conflict that goes back centuries before his presidency.

[AloeVera]

88. See Post # 83.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/war-with-hamas-cost-israel-above-50-bln-newspaper-2023-11-05/

The $50B is for all costs including loss to business/economy, reconstruction. Direct costs for the war around $25B. Of course it's a rough estimate.

[shrike3]

91. That article states what it is costing Israel.

Israel's credit rating has been downgraded. Sounds like it'll pay dearly for this war.

[AloeVera]

82. But further...

The weapons in Israel's arsenal are largely U.S.-made and financed. The IDF still relies on U.S.-supplied arms and technology, like hundreds of armoured personnel carriers, artillery pieces, entire inventory of combat aircraft. Not to mention the bombs and artillery shells. Plus I believe certain parts for the Iron Dome and missile defense systems. The latter is a huge "stick" the U.S. could use to persuade Netanyahu to change his ways regarding the war.

The second supplemental funding of $17B is recent and likely the weapons have not been transferred yet.

Yes, I do believe that stopping arms/funding would, if not stop the war altogether, considerably slow it down and at least result in less dead civilians.

[shrike3]

86. So much for the one phone call idea

https://www.npr.org/2024/03/08/1236875766/does-the-u-s-have-the-power-and-leverage-to-stop-the-israel-hamas-war

Israel could still fight, albeit on a smaller scale and with different objectives. Given Netanyahu's past actions, there's no doubt he would. Magic wands are fantasies.

[AloeVera]

92. Bolsters my argument that Israel couldn't continue the war, at least at the same scale.

Without U.S. funds.

Thanks for the article.

So the obstacle to the "one phone call" is U.S. electoral politics and the divided support among Democrats. Republicans are all in for Israel of course.

[shrike3]

94. No, it doesn't bolster your argument

It states that Israel has a very strong military and could indeed keep fighting, just on a smaller scale and with reduced goals.

[AloeVera]

96. Theoretically, yes. But the U.S. has power and Israel is militarily dependent.

Let's put aside for a minute American domestic politics, which are a huge part of any equation for a president, for sure. But if you put that aside, suspend that for a minute, yes, the president of the United States can make a call, and in pretty short order, I think the Israelis would follow through if, in fact, he conditions aid to Israel. There is no question that even in the - certainly in the short term, that Israel is highly dependent on the United States. This was clear in this war. Israel has the top cutting-edge technology that it needs to have an edge over all its opponents, enemies in the Middle East, thanks to the United States, but more importantly, in the United Nations, the United States obviously protects Israel against actions that could be consequential, especially in the Security Council, where the U.S. has been vetoing multiple resolutions, even cease-fire resolutions.

So in this particular case, though, during the war, just keep in mind the following - number one, even despite the fact that Israel has the most powerful military in the Middle East, it has needed immediate supplies from the U.S., you know, so much so that the State Department had to bypass congressional approval to get there. And the U.S. dispatched, you know, aircraft carriers in the region to make sure that other parties don't enter the fight in a way that would make it impossible for the Israelis to fight on multiple fronts. So there's no question that the U.S. wields enormous power, if it really decided to, in fact, exercise that power.

MARTÍNEZ: How much support does Israel need from the United States to have their military function? Could the war continue if aid from the U.S. was cut off?

TELHAMI: Oh, no question, it can't - not on the same - in the same way, in the same scale. Again, there are two indicators of that. The one indicator is the need for even munitions in the middle of the war to carry out the certain operations the Israelis were carrying out, the need for American protection with the Navy to prevent expansion of the war where Israel could fight multiple fronts and the need to prevent certain U.N. resolutions that would tie Israel's hands further. So all of these obviously indicate that Israel would suffer dramatically and its military options would be more limited if, in fact, the U.S. stopped support. But MARTÍNEZ: How much support does Israel need from the United States to have their military function? Could the war continue if aid from the U.S. was cut off?

TELHAMI: Oh, no question, it can't - not on the same - in the same way, in the same scale. Again, there are two indicators of that. The one indicator is the need for even munitions in the middle of the war to carry out the certain operations the Israelis were carrying out, the need for American protection with the Navy to prevent expansion of the war where Israel could fight multiple fronts and the need to prevent certain U.N. resolutions that would tie Israel's hands further. So all of these obviously indicate that Israel would suffer dramatically and its military options would be more limited if, in fact, the U.S. stopped support. But theoretically, you know, Israel is a strong country militarily, has its own military industry, has a very well-trained military and certainly could fight, but not on the same scale, not in the same way, not with the same objectives., you know, Israel is a strong country militarily, has its own military industry, has a very well-trained military and certainly could fight, but not on the same scale, not in the same way, not with the same objectives.

[shrike3]

100. "Israel is a strong country militarily, has its own military industry, has a very well-trained military"

"And certainly could fight, but not on the same scale, not in the same way, not with the same objectives." Which is what I said. They could continue to fight, just on a smaller scale. You'd prefer a little war to a big one?

[AloeVera]

102. No one denies Israel has a strong military

But it's built on and relies on U.S. help and weaponry.

I said the same thing- smaller scale.

Yes, if no one is willing to put a stop to this war, then yes, I would prefer that fewer people be killed. Don't you?

[shrike3]

103. Dead is dead.

Thanks for clarifying that fewer dying is a good option.

[AloeVera]

106. Wow.

Thanks for clarifying a lot of things. Bye now.

[shrike3]

107. You were the one who said a smaller war would be better. Less people killed, and all.

Don't blame me. I just gave your own words back to you.

[AloeVera]

108. I like my debates honest.

But you left out my qualifier. So you took it out of context. I don't like that. Not engaging further.

[shrike3]

109. I'm crushed.

btw. I talked with a friend of one of the Israeli hostage families. They're having a really rough time. That bother you?

[shrike3]

55. And if Israel continues on without us, would Biden still be blamed?

[AloeVera]

79. I'm sure you know the answer to that. n/t

[shrike3]

87. I believe I do. Yes, he would be blamed. Because he didn't wave a magic wand.

[shrike3]

54. Eighty-five percent of Israel's budget does not come from the U.S.

Actually, objecting how one's tax dollars are used is fine. Perfectly acceptable. Expecting a U.S. president to unilaterally end a war across the ocean is another.

[obamanut2012]

73. Yup, they have an NHS because of our aid

Whereas Americans do not. The ADA is not a true nhs.

[shrike3]

76. And if every ounce of aid is withdrawn and the war continues, who will you blame then?

Israel is a sovereign country. We cannot tell it what to do.

[AloeVera]

83. We can and we should. All Western nations.

Not only is it morally imperative to stop this "war", but there's lots of precedent around the U.S. using its power to do just that. It's absurd to say the U.S. cannot tell other countries what to do, when it has for decades. Except for now.

The war cannot continue for long if arms and supplies are stopped. Israel is dependent on the U.S. for most of its arsenal.

[shrike3]

85. Short of waving a magic wand, what do you suggest?

Biden is not king of israel.

[AloeVera]

89. What do you mean?

I answered the question. Stop.The.Flow.Of.Arms.

I would add also stop providing diplomatic cover at the U.N. Stop normalizing the indiscriminate killing as an unavoidable cost of this particular war. Stop pretending that there is nothing to be done to convince Israel to stop impeding aid. Stop....

[shrike3]

90. What do you suggest if Israel goes on without us?

They're a sovereign nation. Stop pretending we can pull a rabbit out of a hat.

[AloeVera]

93. Not pretending anything.

I see pretense on your part, though. Pretending that the U.S. has no power and no recourse.

[shrike3]

95. If anybody out there has a magic wand, I suggest they send it to the White House forthwith.

If Trump gets in, it certainly won't be used. If he's re-elected, it will seal Palestine's fate. Good luck.

[AloeVera]

97. It's not a magic wand. The U.S. has the stick.

Not sure if Palestinians can have a worse fate than they do now. Good luck to you too.

[shrike3]

99. If Bibi continues without U.S. Aid, who will you blame then?

Also, good luck with this endeavor if Trump gets in. You won't pursue it if he does. You won't be allowed.

[Voltaire2]

51. Great. Then Israel can carry on without our aid.

[shrike3]

53. I'd be fine with that. But no complaining if and when the conflict continues.

[Voltaire2]

56. I'll continue to oppose their genocidal operations.

[shrike3]

57. Cool. Just don't blame Biden.

[Voltaire2]

59. Sure. When we stopping providing support.

[shrike3]

60. Cool.

[Demsrule86]

44. I don't agree. The protests help both Hamas and Netanyahu. They do no good. This

is not our war. Protesting on US territory in colleges or wherever is meaningless. In fact, I think it hurts the peace effort as it emboldens Hamas who started this in the first place. Thus making their war (not ours) to continue which also helps Netanyahu to stay in office.

[shrike3]

61. Whatever.

[NickB79]

105. Israel tried to give back Gaza and the West Bank decades ago

These were lands, btw, that Israel legitimately captured in war when they were attacked by Egypt and Jordan in the second of three wars they waged in the 20th century intended to wipe out Israel and kill the Jewish people.

Egypt said yes to the Sinai but no to Gaza.

Jordan not only said no to the West Bank, but then revoked the Jordanian citizenship of the Palestinians living in the West Bank.

You sure you've studied even a little bit of Middle East history?

[Goddessartist]

17. So you're calling me, my almost 98 year old Jewish mother in law,

my husband, his Jewish sisters, all of our family, anti-semitic and liars. What a bunch of hooey. If you're on the side of genocide, as it seems you are, then you're on the side of darkness.

There are none so blind as those who will not see.

You lessen the meaning of the term when you use it so loosely and consistently. For shame.

[Beastly Boy]

19. I am prevented by the DU terms of use from answering your accusation directly.

Let me just say that calling anyone out for their lies does not put me on the side of genocide. It puts me on the side of stopping lies from being normalized to the point where the subject of these lies loses all meaning. It is a general statement, ridiculous over the top recriminations to the contrary notwithstanding.

[Goddessartist]

27. You sound like

Netanyahoo with your accusations. Shame.

[Beastly Boy]

28. Can you back up your accuation with anything tangible, or is it only

intended to shame me for no discernible reason?

[Goddessartist]

30. By DU's rules you couldn't answer honestly.

You accuse us of anti-semitism. I believe you when you show me who you are.

Now, I'm off to do art to cleanse my soul of this interaction.

Peace out.

[Beastly Boy]

36. The accusations are all yours.

From the start, I told you I will not violate DU's terms of use in response to a provocation. This is the reason you will not find a single personal accusation in my posts.

But twisting my words and misstating DU rules is sufficient cause for soul-cleansing, so I applaud your decision.

[Cha]

77. No he doesn't... persoaally attacking him with the Netanyahu

insult .. is the" Shame"

[Scrivener7]

58. Add Bernie Sanders to the list of those whose response would be defined

as antisemitism by some on DU.

It's gotten absurd.

[Goddessartist]

65. Absurd

and disgusting.

[Beastly Boy]

67. If "some on DU" include yours truly,

I would like to see Bernie's response you are referring to before I jump to conclusions. I have strong doubts that Bernie is dumb enough to cross the line into antisemitism.

If, on the other hand, you are not refering to my post, never mind!

[Nutty Putty]

18. Deluded Thinking...

It's got us exactly where we are right now ... with no way out unless people start dealing with facts and the truth.

Israel has, for decades, stolen land and imprisoned the Palestinians, and is now committing genocide against them. The truth will win out, whether it's now or in ten years. The sooner we embrace the truth, the sooner this will end.

[Beastly Boy]

20. Then start dealing with the facts and the truth.

What land has Israel stolen and from whom?

What is your definition of genocide, assuming you have one and not just making stuff up?

There is nothing that prevents you from embracing the truth today, assuming you take some time to discern truth from lies.

[Nutty Putty]

31. Educate yourself

I’m not going to waste any more energy on deluded thinking.

[Beastly Boy]

38. I m sufficiently educated on the subject to question your understanding of it.

And I am heartened to hear you confirm my suspicions.

[Beastly Boy]

66. I am not supporting genocide, and I am not at all certain you understand the meaning of the word.

But I must warn you: please refer to the DU terms of service before you post ( https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=termsofservice )

Forum Rules

When participating on the Democratic Underground discussion forums, members are expected to follow our forum rules, listed below. If you break the rules, your post will be removed. Repeated rule violations, or a single flagrant rule violation, will result in your posting privileges being suspended and you will not be able to participate unless you can convince the Administrators that you share our core principles.

Civility
No personal attacks or flaming
Do not personally attack, insult, flame, threaten, bully, harass, stalk, negatively call-out, ascribe ugly ulterior motives to, or make baseless claims about any member of this community. Do not post in a manner that is hostile, abusive, or aggressive toward any member of this community.

I don't alert violations as a matter of principle, but there may be other DUers who understandably adhere to different principles.

[TheCynic56]

29. I'm tired of your gaslighting!

[Beastly Boy]

35. Then by all means, don't comment on my posts!

Or are you looking for sympathy?

[Beastly Boy]

49. Don't be silly!

Accusing me of gaslighting and telling me you are tired of it is not mean at all! It may be a violation of DU's terms of use, but not mean...

[Cha]

68. Yes they do but it's not Beastly Boy who's "mean".

[Cha]

72. Beastly Boy Doesn't "gaslight".

[Mossfern]

64. Rec'd 1000+

I honestly can't believe what I'm reading here.

[Jedi Guy]

110. "My hubby is Jewish..."

Okay, and that proves... what, exactly? Does his being Jewish lend his argument factual weight or his opinion moral clarity?

Mentioning that your family members are Jewish and believe Israel's actions constitute genocide is a variation of the "argument from authority" fallacy. You're framing it as if your family's Jewishness somehow makes their position irrefutable, and it really doesn't.

An argument stands or falls on its own merits without regard for the ethnicity of the person making it or how many people of that ethnicity agree with it.

[Doc Sportello]

6. This line is truly relevant here

"the rise of antisemitism is posited as self-evident, clear for anyone to understand; yet the source of antisemitism is presented as opaque"

Opaque as in nonexistent. Make the claim without evidence, because it is self-evident to the person making the charge, especially when the facts don't fit their narrative.

[LuvLoogie]

8. Oh c'mon everyone knows the source

of the "new anti-Semitism" is TikTok.

Sell it to Melon Usk! He'll get rid of the Chinese spies!

[Jirel]

10. Good article.

When I was a kid and a teen, I grew up in an area with lots of Jewish classmates, but being Jewish was still definitely a minority. I had quite a few Jewish friends, then and now. I’ve seen antisemitism directed at my friends, really ugly, shocking antisemitism that is way too prevalent in this country, and protesting the wholesale murder of Gazans ain’t it. It makes me furious to hear the line that criticism of the Israeli government, calls for divestment, etc. are somehow automatically antisemitic, particularly because this kind of falsehood and manipulation further discredits the very real problem of antisemitism in America. I’ve watched friends experience crap that NO person should have to endure, and this just feels like more abuse and co-opting of the experiences of people who’ve suffered real oppression, to suit the political agenda of a very narrow range of people, many of whom are not Jewish.

[Demsrule86]

25. Some behavior towards Jewish students by those protesting GAZA is clearly antisemitic.

It is a disgrace. And some are even carrying pro-Hamas flags and signs.

[Beastly Boy]

11. Interestingly, this theory illustrates the nature of antisemitism in its current iteration.

Last edited Fri May 3, 2024, 10:21 AM - Edit history (1)

I instinctively and distinctly smelled the whiff of the old antisemitism in the speeches of campus protesters, and now I am reading a theory that confirms my hunches.

Following the above described classic features of moral panic almost verbatim, the current iteration of campus antisemitism appears new, lying dormant until recently but always present, deceptively ordinary and routine ("we are for peace", "we are not antisemitic, we are anti-zionist", "we merely lament the 30,000 dead civilians" ), but invisibly creeping up the moral horizon (serving as justification for calls for genocide - "from the river to the sea", ethnic cleansing - "go back to Europe", glorification of terrorism - "resistance by any means necessary", stubbornly refusing to acknowledge who is legally responsible for the deaths of the aforementioned 30,000 civilians, etc.)—but also old, camouflaged versions of traditional and well-known evils ( traditional blood libels, this time cloaked in accusations of genocide and apartheid, followed by harrassment and intimidation of random Jews on these grounds - menacing crowds screaming "we charge you with genocide" ). They are damaging in themselves—but also merely warning signs of the real, much deeper and more prevalent condition (the aforementioned emergence of previously dormant and hidden, but now explicit and normalized antisemitism). They are transparent - anyone can see what’s happening - but also opaque: accredited experts must explain the perils hidden behind the superficially harmless (various UN experts and accredited intellectuals baring their biases 'splaining it to the Jews that asserting the right of self-defense by local Israelis is the ultimate iteration of European colonialism, while being overtly antisemitic in their 'splaining).

There are few, if any, proponents of "new antisemitism". Anyone who has had any experience with it recognizes full well that antisemitism is as old as sin.

[FakeNoose]

22. Agree totally

Anti-semitism is fueling a lot of these university protests lately. Where are these outside agitators actually coming from? They aren't students, nor are they among the university employees. Someone or some group is paying these agitators to start riots on campuses in our cities.

Have you noticed that none of the protests are happening on rural campuses, only those in major cities?

[Beastly Boy]

23. I would say that most protests occur in major media markets.

Which is absolutely a cynical and transparent choice by the organizers of the protests.

[FakeNoose]

26. Agreed, and it's further proof that the students themselves aren't initiating the trouble

[Sympthsical]

15. The desire to minimize racism is interesting

It's not liberalism. It's . . . something else.

But it's interesting to watch, certainly.

It isn't new antisemitism. It's the same old shit I've watched on campuses my entire adult life (about 25 years now). Just because it's new to people (or, at least, that's what they're claiming) speaks to the power of the desire to turn their eyes away from it.

There's a reason people are working very, very hard not to see it. That it never results in even the slightest self-awareness or self-examination is probably the least surprising thing I've witnessed.

This illiberalism isn't actually anti-racist. That's just what gets written on the pamphlets and is almost religious in its ability to instill moral righteousness on unexamined and unacknowledged immoral behaviors and views.

I've said it a billion times. Self-awareness is just not a thing. People genuinely don't seem to understand what they look like.

[BannonsLiver]

46. I think we have an emerging horseshoe crowd On the forum.

[jaxexpat]

21. So predictable. Retro news is now fashionable.

[Prairie Gates]

32. Good post

Hard for some people to recognize themselves, as always.

[Passages]

33. Of interest: Gloves off: The International Criminal Court prosecutor issues

Link to tweet

[Ping Tung]

42. Thanks for posting. The ICC should be free to prosecute war crimes against any perpetrators.

No matter which side they're on.

[leftstreet]

34. DURec

[ismnotwasm]

40. I feel that people don't really understand or accept how bad anti-semitism is

And of course criticizing Israel is not anti-semitic. The WAY Israel is criticized is often classic anti-semitism.

I have seen well thought out, legitimate criticism of the Israeli government that manages to to NOT use phrases that are dripping with historical bigotry, but most critics don’t bother.

Here is a list of phrases to avoid from the AJC.

https://www.ajc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2021-02/AJC_Translate-Hate-Glossary-2021.pdf

As far as the term “Genocide” Wiki Actually has a decent article on the topic as it applies to Gaza, believe it or not—it’s pretty long. I might sign up with Wiki again just to read the discussion on it
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestinian_genocide_accusation

[Sympthsical]

74. There are unfortunately people, more common than one would hope

Who are highly sensitive and attuned to bigotry when it is cast in their own direction, but oblivious and uncaring when it is directed at groups they themselves are not a part of or invested in.

Ask any AAPI or Jewish (or the occasional Latino) person in this country about how that dynamic works out for them. Count how many times the phrase "white-adjacent" creeps in. That is oppressor/oppression theology at work. Not that racism is bad, but where it is on the scale of whether or not they should care about it.

I think we're seeing this "unless it's against me, the bigotry isn't that important" attitude in spades nowadays. For people with this disposition, the political ends are far more important than the racistly-aligned means.

It seems to get to the Anti-Israel goal, a little antisemitism needs to be tolerated or ignored. That's the calculation.

That's the ideology. And it's by design.

[ismnotwasm]

80. Yes, that is my general impression

And my impression comes from across Social media and news commentary. Some younger people seem to have no clue about anti-semitism, other than to make straw man or other bad faith arguments, when it comes up—literally failing around with words and anger. Older ones who should know better do much the same thing, only it seems more deliberate to me.

Despite clear evidence in words and actions of anti-semitism, it’s is denied, or gaslighted. That’s the worst part.

[DemocraticPatriot]

81. Thanks for posting the Hate Glossary. I actually read through it and

learned a few things.... Since I don't "hate jews" as a principal, I thought I should skim through it and make sure I wasn't repeating anything out of ignorance...

Luckily I don't think I have been using any of those 'tropes' out of ignorance,
except for "jew down" a little in my youth, which was a very common term back then.
Long ago I realized what was wrong with that, and eliminated it from my discourse.

However... I am now not convinced of the validity of their argument about the term "silencing":

silencing
theme 'sīlənsiNG
: prohibit or prevent from speaking
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
One of the longest standing antisemitic attacks leveled
against Jews is the “silencing” of their opponents. The false
claim that Jews deem any criticism of Israel or the Jewish
people as antisemitic, and wield the power of the antisemitic
label to silence the opposition, is offensive and dangerous


"False claim" ? I've seen more than enough instances of it lately... right here on DU.

After reading the last seven months of argument on this very site about the Gaza war, where almost everyone who has been critical of Israeli actions in the Gaza war has been labeled as "antisemitic", and beaten over the head with that very term, I cannot agree with the author that this is a "false claim" in the least--- at least that the defenders of "Israel right or wrong" freely use it against anyone who is critical of the Israeli nation's actions in Gaza----

Now, granted, probably a large majority of those throwing the "antisemitic" accusation around on this site, are not actually Jewish themselves--- but a few who have self-identified as Jewish are among the most virulent users of that accusation...

Now maybe they don't actually mean to "silence" the opposition--- but screaming that those people are antisemitic supporters of rape, murder and baby dismembering is a pretty good way to accomplish such a goal.....

On the other hand, I don't hold that this 'trope' is valid against the Jewish people, many of whom oppose this war---

but it certainly seems to be valid against those who support the leveling of Gaza, and hold the position that "Israel can do no wrong"--- the vast majority of whom are not actually Jewish themselves.

As for the 'trope' itself, in regard to those who are actually Jewish--- I have not seen any evidence to support it---
EXCEPT for a few self-identified Jewish posters on this website regarding the Gaza "war"....

[ismnotwasm]

104. Exactly what are you trying to say?

That silencing does not occur?

[DemocraticPatriot]

111. I am saying that it is NOT antisemitic to believe that those who support

the Israeli actions against Gaza are attempting to silence Israel's critics....
nor is it antisemitic to SAY so.

After reading that article about "antisemitic tropes", that was the only example which I did not agree with, so it was significant to me.

(If not for the ongoing debate about Gaza on this site, with all the examples of such attempted silencing actually happening, it would never have occurred to me to disagree with that particular example.)

[obamanut2012]

69. Thanks for posting - well said

[PufPuf23]

98. Jewish Community Leaders Say Cal Poly Humboldt Protests are not Anti-Semitic.

JEWISH COMMUNITY LEADERS SAY CAL POLY HUMBOLDT PROTESTS NOT ANTI-SEMITIC

Press release from leaders in the local Jewish community who want their letter to Democratic local leaders Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Jim Wood available:

Dear Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Jim Wood,

As leaders in the Jewish community in Humboldt County, we express our disappointment in your recent press release in which you referenced “antisemitic hate speech” in connection to the protests at Cal Poly Humboldt. Yes, there have been instances of antisemitism. Yes, there is important work to be done. But we do not find the protests themselves to be antisemitic and we reject it as justification for the police force used against the protesters. This inappropriate justification is all the more problematic because it was done without any consultation with Jewish community leaders.

Our Jewish community is diverse with wide ranging views. We share the distress felt by so many Cal Poly Humboldt students, faculty, and staff over the ongoing violence and tragic loss of life in the Middle East. We have varying opinions about the protests, slogans, and many related matters, nor do we share one definition of antisemitism. The Temple Beth El Antisemitism Task Force holds that the charge must be brought with discretion, carefully taking into account numerous factors in any situation. While some of us have witnessed and are concerned about statements and acts by individuals that we experience as anti-Jewish, we push back against the charge that antisemitism was endemic to the protests at Cal Poly Humboldt or that expressions of it were an appropriate justification for police action.

Senator and Assemblymember, you stated concern for the difficult experience of “Humboldt’s Jewish students and others over the past week.” Yes, the past week has been traumatic, for the entire campus community and community at large. But the problems with antisemitism at Cal Poly Humboldt are not confined to one tumultuous week. Let us explain:

In past decades very few antisemitic incidents on campus came to our attention, and some longtime Jewish faculty report encountering no antisemitism at Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt). Jewish faculty and staff have received honors, and rabbis teaching or volunteering on campus have been treated with respect. Similarly, for decades there was very little antisemitic activity in the community at large. But things have changed in recent years. Even before the October 7 massacre, some Jewish students reported feeling marginalized by classmates and instructors.

Since October 7 there has been a surge in antisemitic crimes and incidents off campus and one hate crime on campus right after the massacre before protests began. The charged atmosphere of the protests this winter and spring has left some Jewish students, faculty, and staff feeling intimidated and afraid to openly identify with their religion or celebrate their heritage. One student was viciously harassed and has received little help.

In early February, Jewish community leaders contacted University administration requesting a meeting on urgent problems and solutions. It took three months to get a one-hour meeting. During that time the situation deteriorated, and the University failed to engage with us in any meaningful way. We were surprised to read a recent press release in which the University stated they “have been in touch with Jewish community leaders.” This is inaccurate. Now it appears that our well-intentioned elected officials have been misled by the University.

The protests loudly demonstrated a lack of cultural sensitivity and indifference to alienation of Jewish students with opposing views. The University ignored offers of help from Jewish leaders and failed to provide students, faculty and staff with resources to address antisemitism and support Jewish life on campus. This must change. At a long-awaited meeting on May 2 with the Dean of Students, it was agreed that vigorous, long term effort is needed to educate the Cal Poly Humboldt community about and respond to antisemitism. Crimes and discrimination must be taken seriously, and spurious charges of antisemitism must be scrupulously avoided.

We appreciate your service to the community and want to make sure you understand the risks of potential harm and escalation that come from a politicized use of the term antisemitism. We would like to work with you directly to address these complex problems and the nuances required for future communications.

Rabbi Naomi Steinberg, Lecturer Emerita Cal Poly Humboldt

Rabbi Bob Rottenberg

Courtney Ladika, M.D., Temple Beth El President

Caroline Connor, M.D., M.P.H., Temple Beth El Vice President

Emeritus Professor Ann Alter, Temple Beth El Board Secretary

David Boyd, Temple Beth El Antisemitism Task Force

Press release copied from Redhead Blackbelt: https://kymkemp.com/2024/05/03/jewish-community-leaders-say-cal-poly-humboldt-protests-not-anti-semitic/