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In reply to the discussion: Anti-Semitism: One Jew's perspective about recent events (long read) [View all]Princess Turandot
(4,787 posts)24. The term 'anti-Semitism' entered the political lexicon in 1879..
when a German named Wilhelm Marr founded an organization called 'The League of Anti-Semites'. Its stated purpose was to save the 'German fatherland' from 'Judaisation', liberating it from the 'oppressive weight of Jewish influence'. He apparently chose the term 'anti-Semitism', rather than a term including the word 'Jew', in order to refer to Jewish Germans as a 'racial' group, as opposed to a religion.
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, that was the first time that phrase entered the German and shortly thereafter, the English lexicon.
In the 21st Century, it is used exactly as it has always been used.
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Anti-Semitism: One Jew's perspective about recent events (long read) [View all]
Behind the Aegis
Feb 2017
OP
Really well done - thanks for your efforts to expand our thinking and understanding.
NRaleighLiberal
Feb 2017
#1
I agree with you that the new "president" is partly responsible for a surge in anti-Semitism.
Behind the Aegis
Feb 2017
#17
I am just afraid I will wake up soon and read DU and it won't be a threat but an actual event.
Behind the Aegis
Feb 2017
#19
Excellent response. And understated. I also appreciate your time and thought in putting together
JudyM
Feb 2017
#49
"Do not 'redefine' anti-Semitism to include others who aren't Jews" - Then why choose a terminology
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#13
in answer to your first point, words and phrases mean what they mean.
Warren DeMontague
Feb 2017
#15
The language can be problematic precisely because there is substantial discrimination
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#28
Again, the only times I have ever seen people broaden the usual definition of the word, it was done
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#35
you seem to desperately want to make a point, and yet you're afraid to actually come out
Warren DeMontague
Feb 2017
#37
My point: Bigotry against Arabs exists, both on a systemic and individual level, and is a problem
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#42
You are projecting. The OP has defined one very specific act as being bigoted, the factuality
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#44
This is a serious thread about a serious issue and taking issue with it as you are strikes others
JudyM
Feb 2017
#50
What I take issue with is when people slip trace amount of a nationalistic ideology into what is
redgreenandblue
Feb 2017
#64
Do you find that people still try to accuse Jews of being the bigots when you bring this up?
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#74