Over the last few years I have observed that an increasing number of self-described critics of jews have begun to use the rhetorical phrase to the effect that an anti-Semite is someone who is hated by jews as an explanation of and non-rhetorical argument for anti-Semitism.
While I agree with what you've written, I think you've missed one part of the argument (which works well on convincing normies that the charge of anti-semitism is not proof of anything on its own): the phrase we're discussing shifts the burden of proof from anything a person has done or said towards jews and shows that it's simply jews deciding to use the anti-semitism label to silence criticism of their actions. That angle is fertile ground for exploring how easily they can escape all criticism by playing that card -- much like how blacks cry racism for every criticism of their actions. Eventually, many people tune it out and assume there's more to the story or the claim is self-serving.
I wouldn't include it in the point because while this is what would trigger this kind of rhetorical response. It in and of itself requires proper discussion and elucidation. It is partly why I wrote 'Why I am an anti-Semite' but I should write a specific article documenting how jews use the concept of 'anti-Semitism' as a shield from any and all criticism.
That is how I've traditionally thought of this but Karl makes some good points I will reflect on. More recently I have been contemplating Aiden Hunter's suggestion that when accused of being an "Antisemite" as a way of censoring or shutting down your take on an issue, one could respond with "No, I am pro-Gentile." What does that mean? For me, it's not so much that I am intrinsically "against Jews" but rather it's their behavior towards gentiles that has been problematic. It's seems to me that almost all "anti-Semitic" sentiment is due to the anti-Gentile behavior of Jews. If Jews did not consistently engage in anti-Gentile behavior across space and time, antisemitism would most likely cease to exist. So I like to turn it around on the Jews because ultimately it's all about the Jews and their behavior. Not me. I am pro-Gentile and my problem is with the anti-Gentile behavior and sentiments of Jews. Jews use "antisemitism" as a projection and form of gaslighting to deflect from their own behavior and sentiment.
I agree with you, but I would go further. Jews are not just anti-Gentile, they are against the natural order of things. They are against God. I just don't know how to capture that easily into a catchy phrase that works on normies.
Pretty much spot on, but. It's a useful means to reach normies. It's roughly similar to racism, or being called a racist and I'm really stretching that argument but, the usual reply to accusations are, :yep, I'm a racist."
Same with anti-semitism. Rational arguments not needed, although of course, disproving the holocaust and pointing out jewish history is pure bonus, and usually, after presenting rational arguments, the person presenting such arguments runs into the proverbial wall, and then simply states "yup. ya got me. I'm an anti-semite."
There's a bonus in basic psychology here. Saying so usually shuts the other, the opponent, in this case, say a jew, down. Quite effectively. Arguably, that doesn't move any discussion forward, but hey.
I could also have just said "hey you know what, we all know what we're talking about and we like our buzzwords." Also, said statement about an anti-semite is anyone a jew doesn't like is a very effective normie level way to describe the irrationality of the jew.
While I agree with what you've written, I think you've missed one part of the argument (which works well on convincing normies that the charge of anti-semitism is not proof of anything on its own): the phrase we're discussing shifts the burden of proof from anything a person has done or said towards jews and shows that it's simply jews deciding to use the anti-semitism label to silence criticism of their actions. That angle is fertile ground for exploring how easily they can escape all criticism by playing that card -- much like how blacks cry racism for every criticism of their actions. Eventually, many people tune it out and assume there's more to the story or the claim is self-serving.
I wouldn't include it in the point because while this is what would trigger this kind of rhetorical response. It in and of itself requires proper discussion and elucidation. It is partly why I wrote 'Why I am an anti-Semite' but I should write a specific article documenting how jews use the concept of 'anti-Semitism' as a shield from any and all criticism.
Good points though!
Yes this would be a useful article
That is how I've traditionally thought of this but Karl makes some good points I will reflect on. More recently I have been contemplating Aiden Hunter's suggestion that when accused of being an "Antisemite" as a way of censoring or shutting down your take on an issue, one could respond with "No, I am pro-Gentile." What does that mean? For me, it's not so much that I am intrinsically "against Jews" but rather it's their behavior towards gentiles that has been problematic. It's seems to me that almost all "anti-Semitic" sentiment is due to the anti-Gentile behavior of Jews. If Jews did not consistently engage in anti-Gentile behavior across space and time, antisemitism would most likely cease to exist. So I like to turn it around on the Jews because ultimately it's all about the Jews and their behavior. Not me. I am pro-Gentile and my problem is with the anti-Gentile behavior and sentiments of Jews. Jews use "antisemitism" as a projection and form of gaslighting to deflect from their own behavior and sentiment.
I agree with you, but I would go further. Jews are not just anti-Gentile, they are against the natural order of things. They are against God. I just don't know how to capture that easily into a catchy phrase that works on normies.
Pretty much spot on, but. It's a useful means to reach normies. It's roughly similar to racism, or being called a racist and I'm really stretching that argument but, the usual reply to accusations are, :yep, I'm a racist."
Same with anti-semitism. Rational arguments not needed, although of course, disproving the holocaust and pointing out jewish history is pure bonus, and usually, after presenting rational arguments, the person presenting such arguments runs into the proverbial wall, and then simply states "yup. ya got me. I'm an anti-semite."
There's a bonus in basic psychology here. Saying so usually shuts the other, the opponent, in this case, say a jew, down. Quite effectively. Arguably, that doesn't move any discussion forward, but hey.
I could also have just said "hey you know what, we all know what we're talking about and we like our buzzwords." Also, said statement about an anti-semite is anyone a jew doesn't like is a very effective normie level way to describe the irrationality of the jew.