Antiglobalism’s Jewish Problem (from "Foreign Policy" Magazine)

[Skeptic]

From the article:

Anti-Semitism is again on the rise. Why now? Blame the backlash against globalization. As public anxiety grows over lost jobs, shaky economies, and political and social upheaval, the Brownshirt and Birkenstock crowds are seeking solace in conspiracy theories. And in their search for the hidden hand that guides the new world order, modern anxieties are merging with old hatreds and the myths on which they rest.

The rest of it is here:

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/story.php?storyID=13958

 

[DanishDynamite]

What's your point?

 

[Drooper]

What's your point?

Perhaps:

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Or maybe:

We are desitine to relive mistakes of history.

 

[Solitaire]

We are desitine to relive mistakes of history.

Well, yes. We aren't remembered for the good things we do.

 

[DanishDynamite]

Drooper:

Perhaps:

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Or maybe:

We are desitine to relive mistakes of history.

Excellent cliches, Drooper.

I await Skeptic's confirmation. Hopefully followed by his real point.

 

[Nikk]

Perhaps:

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Or maybe:

We are desitine to relive mistakes of history.

Or maybe a writer is told to "do something on anti-semitism".

At the beginning of the article we get.......


" So why did some protesters at the 2003 World Social Forum (WSF) in Porto Alegre, Brazil, display the swastika?

Held two months prior to the U.S.-led attack on Iraq, this year’s conference—an annual grassroots riposte to the well-heeled World Economic Forum in Davos—had the theme, “Another World is Possible.” But the more appropriate theme might have been “Yesterday’s World is Back.” Marchers among the 20,000 activists from 120 countries carried signs reading “Nazis, Yankees, and Jews: No More Chosen Peoples!” Some wore T-shirts with the Star of David twisted into Nazi swastikas. Members of a Palestinian organization pilloried Jews as the “true fundamentalists who control United States capitalism.” Jewish delegates carrying banners declaring “Two peoples—Two states: Peace in the Middle East” were assaulted.".........

................snip....................

But then after a lengthy perambulation visiting anti-semitic nut farms around the world we get, at the end of the article and in relation to those opposing anti-semitic conspiracy theories, the following words.

.........."A measure of their success could be seen in the final day of the 2003 World Social Forum in Porto Alegre. While street protesters waved their swastikas, a small group of Jewish and Palestinian peace activists organized a series of workshops, funded by local Jewish and Palestinian communities in Brazil. The result was a joint statement, read to 20,000 cheering activists, calling for “peace, justice, and sovereignty for our peoples,” and a Palestinian state existing side by side with Israel. "

All credit to the writer for having the integrity to put in the counter argument.

Perhaps a headline saying "compromise supported and anti-semitism rejected by most at conference" wasn't what the editor wanted.

 

[Skeptic]

What's your point?

The point of the article is that, to a large degree, the so-called "antiglobalization activists" and the "enlightened left" are the new antisemites, due to their paranoid thinking of a worldwide conspiracy to "globalize" everything.

As the article shows, it is only tiny step from that paraoia to the age-old accusation that the leaders of the global conspiracy are (you guessed it) the jews, and that quite a few of the "enlightened protectors of human rights against racism and capitalist opression" had made just this step.

The article also shows the critical role hatered of israel plays in taking this step. Once israel is identified as the #1 enemy of freedom and justice in the world (or #2, after the USA), US support of israel is the critical "clue", in this conspiratorial worldview, as to who "really" rules the USA and "forces" it to "support colonialism": it is the jews, of course.

Thus the "I am not an antisemite, just an anti-zionist" excuse quickly becomes "the jews control the world" conspiracy theory. As one of the protestors said, "if I told you what I think about globalization and capitalism, you'd say I'm a left-winger. If I told you who I think is behind it, you'd say I'm a right-winger".

This, of course, is not suprising, considering the fact that the jews were always the "real power" behind everything from the enlightment to humanism to freemasonry to capitalism to communism to race-mixing to feminism to whatever-it-is-you-don't-like-this-week-ism by those who opposed it.

But it is rather important, timely information, considering the huge increase in antisemitic incidents in Europe lately, and the EU's hypocritical decision not to publish its own 112-page study (by the EU's center for the study of racism and xenophobia) about the causes of this rise in antisemitism, because it identified muslims and anti-globailization activists as the two main causes of the increase, and not (as expected) right-wing groups... just like the FP article exposes.

Of course, the EU being completely without testicles, hiding its own findings instead of risking the shrill attacks of "racist!" and "islamophobe!" from those who are exposed as rabid antisemites is ALSO not surprising. (After all, it's only JEWS--why take political risks defending THEM?). The EU, after all, has had no testicles for a long time now. But if the EU will not speak the obvious truth, it's good that FP magazine does.

Think of the article as a summary of the 112-page study, reaching the same conclusions, which the EU first commissioned and then tried to suppress when its results didn't match what they wanted.

Think of it as exposing the real meaning of the "I am just an anti-zionist" apologetics as the lynchpin of the new socially-sanctioned antisemitism.

Think of it, in short, as tearing the mask of hypocracy off the anti-globalizations left-wing groups and exposing them as what they really are: yet another manifestation of the species of "protestors" we've seen throughout history, the "I have no idea what I'm criticizing, but I hate it and it's the jews' fault."

 

[Tony]

The point of the article is that, to a large degree, the so-called "antiglobalization activists" and the "enlightened left" are the new antisemites....

I'd like to add that these same political groups are the source of ALL mainstream racism in the US.

 

[Frank Newgent]

...the leaders of the global conspiracy are (you guessed it) the jews...

That the space bankers from the future walking freely among us turn out, after all, to be Jewish ought to please Cleopatra tremendously...

 

[Cleopatra]

That the space bankers from the future walking freely among us turn out, after all, to be Jewish ought to please Cleopatra tremendously...

"It was the first time they had flown together, and it was obvious by their silence that they didn't get along. After 30 minutes, the Captain finally spoke.
He said, "I don't like Chinese."
The First Officer replied, "Ooooh, no like Chinese? Why that?"
The Captain said, "You bombed Pearl Harbour. That's why I don't like Chinese."
The First Officer said, "Nooooo, noooo ... Chinese not bomb Pearl Harbour. That JAPANESE, not Chinese."
And the Captain answered, "Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese ... it doesn't matter. They're all alike."
Another 30 minutes of silence.
Finally the First Officer said, "No like Jew."
The Captain replied, "Why not? Why don't you like Jews?"
"Jews sink Titanic."
The Captain tried to correct him, "No, no. The Jews didn't sink the Titanic, it was an iceberg."
"Iceberg, Goldberg, Rosenberg, Spielberg ... no mattah ... all same." "




Cleopatra is pleased tremendously when Frank drives safely...

 

[DanishDynamite]

Skeptic:

The point of the article is that, to a large degree, the so-called "antiglobalization activists" and the "enlightened left" are the new antisemites, due to their paranoid thinking of a worldwide conspiracy to "globalize" everything.

OK.

For the record, I'll admit I haven't read the entire article as my eyes glazed over about halfway through.

As the article shows, it is only tiny step from that paraoia to the age-old accusation that the leaders of the global conspiracy are (you guessed it) the jews, and that quite a few of the "enlightened protectors of human rights against racism and capitalist opression" had made just this step.

Personally, I found the article laughable in its own paranoia. The only bit which wasn't laughable was this claim:

Not since Kristallnacht, the Nazi-led pogrom against German Jews in 1938, have so many European synagogues and Jewish schools been desecrated.

I was waiting for some evidence of this claim, but didn't find it. Perhaps it was in the bottom half.

The article also shows the critical role hatered of israel plays in taking this step.

I would say "Exactly!", except for the use of the hyperbole "hatred". There is substantial disagreement with the way Israel handles the conflict with the Palestinians. This disagreement could indeed be a factor in a percieved rise of anti-semitism.

Once israel is identified as the #1 enemy of freedom and justice in the world (or #2, after the USA), US support of israel is the critical "clue", in this conspiratorial worldview, as to who "really" rules the USA and "forces" it to "support colonialism": it is the jews, of course.

Complete bollocks.

Thus the "I am not an antisemite, just an anti-zionist" excuse quickly becomes "the jews control the world" conspiracy theory. As one of the protestors said, "if I told you what I think about globalization and capitalism, you'd say I'm a left-winger. If I told you who I think is behind it, you'd say I'm a right-winger".

And the word of one protester among the "huge" number of 20,000 (LOL) obviously reflects general opinion. Don't make me laugh.

This, of course, is not suprising, considering the fact that the jews were always the "real power" behind everything from the enlightment to humanism to freemasonry to capitalism to communism to race-mixing to feminism to whatever-it-is-you-don't-like-this-week-ism by those who opposed it.

What is surprising is that anyone would take that crap seriously. Luckily, almost no one does.

But it is rather important, timely information, considering the huge increase in antisemitic incidents in Europe lately, and the EU's hypocritical decision not to publish its own 112-page study (by the EU's center for the study of racism and xenophobia) about the causes of this rise in antisemitism, because it identified muslims and anti-globailization activists as the two main causes of the increase, and not (as expected) right-wing groups... just like the FP article exposes.

Do you have a link which provides evidence of this "huge increase"? And would you have one relating to the non-published report?

Of course, the EU being completely without testicles, hiding its own findings instead of risking the shrill attacks of "racist!" and "islamophobe!" from those who are exposed as rabid antisemites is ALSO not surprising. (After all, it's only JEWS--why take political risks defending THEM?). The EU, after all, has had no testicles for a long time now. But if the EU will not speak the obvious truth, it's good that FP magazine does.

Your paranoia and anthropomorphism aside, what are you talking about?

Think of the article as a summary of the 112-page study, reaching the same conclusions, which the EU first commissioned and then tried to suppress when its results didn't match what they wanted.

Ooooh. Once again the evil EU is suppressing stuff. Odd how they didn't supress the recent poll concerning countries which were a threat to world peace.

Think of it as exposing the real meaning of the "I am just an anti-zionist" apologetics as the lynchpin of the new socially-sanctioned antisemitism.

Socially-sanctioned? How do you mean?

Think of it, in short, as tearing the mask of hypocracy off the anti-globalizations left-wing groups and exposing them as what they really are: yet another manifestation of the species of "protestors" we've seen throughout history, the "I have no idea what I'm criticizing, but I hate it and it's the jews' fault."

I'm sure this is your paranoid worldview, but how does it relate to reality?

BTW, I found the following quotes from the article interesting:

It is the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement refusing to put the Star of David on their ambulances.

And? Why the humping hell should they?

Last June, the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press published a survey conducted in 44 countries revealing that, although people generally have a favorable view of globalization, sizable majorities of those polled said their “traditional ways of life” are being threatened and agreed with the statement that “our way of life needs to be protected against foreign influence.” And many believe “success is determined by forces outside their personal control.”

Lovely. I basically agree. Oh, and this has absolutely nothing to do with Jews, so of what relevance is it in the article?

 

[Cleopatra]

I was waiting for some evidence of this claim, but didn't find it. Perhaps it was in the bottom half.

Danish Dynamite

According to Simon Wiesenthal Centre ( which is not a centre of the fanatics) during the previous year we recorded the highest rates of violence against the Jewish communities of Europe since WWII.

 

[DanishDynamite]

Cleopatra:

According to Simon Wiesenthal Centre ( which is not a centre of the fanatics) during the previous year we recorded the highest rates of violence against the Jewish communities of Europe since WWII.

Thanks. Would you have a link?

 

[Cleopatra]

Simon Wiesenthal Centre -News Releases

 

[Chaos]

The Wiesenthal Center is at www.wiesenthal.com. (googling helps )

I did not look for that particular report Cleopatra refers to, though.

From what I notice about violence against jewish communities around here, which is very little*, it is mostly desecrated cemeteries, and swastikas sprayed on the walls of synagogues and jewish community centers. (Don´t mistake me, though - this is bad enough as it is)
However, earlier this year our federal police uncovered a plot by a neonazi would-be terrorist cell (would-be as in "got busted before they could do anything") to bomb a gathering at the laying of the foundation stones of a jewish community center in Munich that, I think, took place on November, 9th, the 65th anniversary of the Reichskristallnacht.

*I do not know if this means there is very little such violence, or that it just does not get reported. I think - and hope - it is the former.

Cleopatra
Is there any data on who commited this violence - neo-nazis, muslim extremists, or "generic" criminals? Just wondering...

 

[Skeptic]

Evidence? Sure, DD.

1). As for the non-published report, I read about it in the NY Post:

http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/editorial/11731.htm

but as the NY Post itself says, it is quoting the "Financial Times" as the source. The FT is not exactly known as some sort of right-wing newspaper.

2). As for the rise in antisemitism, Cleo already beat me to it--try the Simon Wiesenthal center, among many others.

Oh, and for your claim that israel's behavior is the "real reason" for the rise in antisemitism, I would have been SLIGHTLY more convinced if, not long ago, the "real cause" for antisemitism was not their "racist" country, but that they are "parasites" because they DON'T have their own country. The "real reason" for antisemitism changes with the seasons; the hatered stays the same.

 

[Cleopatra]

From what I notice about violence against jewish communities around here, which is very little*, it is mostly desecrated cemeteries, and swastikas sprayed on the walls of synagogues and jewish community centers. (Don´t mistake me, though

Nope we don't take you wrong

The symbolism the act of desecrating a cemetary has is very old and those who perfom it deliver a clear message to the community whose cemetary is being attack: you must leave.

Also, we leave in the 21th ce. It would be horrific if the crimes were worse than that!

Cleopatra
Is there any data on who commited this violence - neo-nazis, muslim extremists, or "generic" criminals? Just wondering...

If we don't have arrests and convictions it is against the Law to speculate.

 

[DanishDynamite]

Simon Wiesenthal Centre -News Releases

Thank you, my lovely, but there are hundreds of articles on that page. Which one relates to my question?

 

[Cleopatra]

Danish Dynamite You might control the safety of my keyboard but it's too late to search the whole site, I mean I can't do it even for your eyes now.

I will do my best tomorrow morning

 

[DanishDynamite]

Skeptic:

Evidence? Sure, DD.

1). As for the non-published report, I read about it in the NY Post:

http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/editorial/11731.htm

but as the NY Post itself says, it is quoting the "Financial Times" as the source. The FT is not exactly known as some sort of right-wing newspaper.

Thanks, Skeptic. Just had a quick look. According to the article:

The EUMC's director said only that the study was rejected because its definition of anti-Semitism was "too complicated."

I'll agree that this seems a weak excuse for not publishing. However, without further details, it is difficult to judge the reason for not publishing.

2). As for the rise in antisemitism, Cleo already beat me to it--try the Simon Wiesenthal center, among many others.

I did and was stumped by the hundreds of articles there.

Oh, and for your claim that israel's behavior is the "real reason" for the rise in antisemitism, I would have been SLIGHTLY more convinced if, not long ago, the "real cause" for antisemitism was not their "racist" country, but that they are "parasites" because they DON'T have their own country. The "real reason" for antisemitism changes with the seasons; the hatered stays the same.

The "real" reason does indeed change, but mostly among the paranoid who need to see "Jew-haters" everywhere.