Letter: Tolerating stereotypes allows discrimination to flourish
Anti-Semitism is certainly not a new phenomenon, and current headlines emphasize that anti-Semitism is very much a current event. From the kosher supermarket in Paris to the synagogue shooting in Denmark, anti-Semitism is not a historical reference but a current movement. Last summer, the Anti-Defamation League conducted a global survey of anti-Semitism, involving 102 countries and territories and interviews with over 53,000 people. Sadly, the survey found that 26 percent of the worlds population still harbors anti-Semitic attitudes thats 1.09 billion people.
As French Prime Minister Manuel Valls powerfully said in a speech to the French National Assembly, History has shown us that a reawakening of anti-Semitism is the symptom of a crisis of democracy. Hate is powerful and rocks the foundation of our communal belief in the pursuit of equality and justice.
Anti-Semitism is certainly not only a European problem. It is an issue in the United States as we saw in the horrific shooting at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas, last year, for example. Anti-Semitism is unfortunately a New Orleans problem, as well.
This Mardi Gras, on the St. Charles Avenue parade route in New Orleans, amidst the revelry and joy of celebration was an anti-Semitic sign that read Dont be a Mardi Jew. Throw me something mister.Someone used a hateful stereotype about Jews in a public plea for Mardi Gras throws. This sign in the midst of a traditional and well-traveled parade route demonstrated that anti-Semitism exists with a strong heartbeat in our community.
more: http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/opinion/11758550-123/letter-tolerating-stereotypes-allows-discrimination
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This is just sad. New Orleans is such a neat place, but there is a vein of anti-Semitism which is very prevalent there.