Sometimes a subtle whiff of anti-Semitism is more troubling than grand online proclamations from an unhinged fringe group. For example, theunjustmedia.com takes the reader through a tangled claim that “six Jewish companies control 96% of the world’s media.”
True, some very prominent Jews who may never set foot in a synagogue have achieved Hollywood mogul status: Michael Eisner, Gerald Levin, David Geffen, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steven Spielberg. “Dreamworks,” the website says, “is a strictly kosher affair.”
There is no shortage of anti-Semitic vitriol on the Internet. Google the word “Jewish” in connection with virtually anything and you’ll be inundated by malicious stereotypes enshrined in The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. The list is endless — and predictable.
But what about the remarks that casually make their way into conversations between friends, in social situations or during business meetings? These are the subtle whiffs that take us by surprise, like a stun gun striking out of nowhere.
We are not concerned here about a general ignorance of the Jewish religion. When it comes to religion, ignorance is an equal opportunity attribute. What gives us pause is suspicious assumptions predicated upon Jewishness alone.
We all can offer a litany of examples: “If you’re Jewish, you must be voting for Obama. Jews are so liberal!” “You’re Jewish, so you must be voting for Romney, because Jews love Israel more than the US.” “Your family must be rich.” “You don’t look Jewish. Did you have your nose fixed?”
Anti-Semitism on college campuses is nothing new. Forty years ago we discussed religion with non-Jews late into the evening. Our new acquaintances found us so amenable, so normal. “I know your ancestors killed Jesus, but you are so nice!” Should we say thank you or should we politely disengage? That was the question, then as now.
Well-intentioned friends anonymously slipped New Testaments in our mailboxes. The desire to convert hovered in the air. The only way to avoid these situations was to hang out with Jews. But we wanted to taste this brave new world on our own, and often suffered the consequences in silence.
Most Jews who are firm in their Jewishness no longer hide from anti-Semitism. Our ears are trained to pick up everything from the discomfiting nuance to the direct hit. Partly, this is due to the emergence of ethnic pride; partly, because of the Jewish pride stemming from the creation of Israel. Either way, when Jews encounter anti-Semitism in a social context, they are likely to be slow to anger but quick to respond: “You might not realize I’m Jewish. Ithink we need to talk.”
Copyright © 2012 by the Intermountain Jewish News
