Gog and Magog

[donquixote99]

Actually, the logic given for the 'don't say racist' part of the antisemitism definition seems to claim that Israel cannot exist without being racist. They shouldn't say that. Sounds antisemitic.

[BigElCat]

Originally Posted by donquixote99

BTW, the bit about Arabs being Semites is a bit silly. Has nothing to do with the understood definition of anti-Semitism.

It's not silly, IMHO.

You and I are Anglophones, because we speak the English language.

A Semite is anyone who speaks a Semitic language. Look up the definition.

How can anti-Semitism apply only to Jews ? How is that our "understood" definition ? I think it's because we hear it that context only, on a frequent basis.

[BigElCat]

And the very idea that human perception can be legislated is bizarre.

It's not just my thinking, and what I say, that could be illegal, according to this mandate. It's what I see, hear, and taste.

Sounds like illusionist hocus pocus.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by BigElCat

It's not silly, IMHO.

You and I are Anglophones, because we speak the English language.

A Semite is anyone who speaks a Semitic language. Look up the definition.

How can anti-Semitism apply only to Jews ? How is that our "understood" definition ? I think it's because we hear it that context only, on a frequent basis.

Webster's definition:
Feeling or showing hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a cultural, racial, or ethnic group.

[donquixote99]

Originally Posted by BigElCat

It's not silly, IMHO.

You and I are Anglophones, because we speak the English language.

A Semite is anyone who speaks a Semitic language. Look up the definition.

How can anti-Semitism apply only to Jews ? How is that our "understood" definition ? I think it's because we hear it that context only, on a frequent basis.

How? Because the meaning of all words is arbitrary. There is no requirement that any logic apply. Just think of antisemitic as an idiom for 'jew hatred.' Logic about the history and relations of words can provide clues to meaning, but just clues. Meaning is not tied and can go anywhere.

[donquixote99]

Originally Posted by BigElCat

And the very idea that human perception can be legislated is bizarre.

It's not just my thinking, and what I say, that could be illegal, according to this mandate. It's what I see, hear, and taste.

Sounds like illusionist hocus pocus.

"Illusionist hocus pocus" is an excellent description of the entire theory and practice of PR.

[Dondilion]

Originally Posted by donquixote99

How? Because the meaning of all words is arbitrary. There is no requirement that any logic apply. Just think of antisemitic as an idiom for 'jew hatred.' Logic about the history and relations of words can provide clues to meaning, but just clues. Meaning is not tied and can go anywhere.

Meaning can be circumscribed; especially by those with the power to do so.

[donquixote99]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

Meaning can be circumscribed; especially by those with the power to do so.

Power can do all sorts of things, it is powerful. If power gets a law passed that legally defines anti-semitism in certain ways, that can have all sorts of consequences.

[Dondilion]

Originally Posted by donquixote99

Power can do all sorts of things, it is powerful. If power gets a law passed that legally defines anti-semitism in certain ways, that can have all sorts of consequences.

Expect an increased weaponization of "antisemitism" as the American people recoil from Bibi. Donald Trump should not be anywhere near power.

[donquixote99]

Stands to reason. The power behind the weaponization of antisemitism fears that their usual lobbying methods ($$$) may be not-effective-enough anymore. Further, the regime in Israel has gotten used to dealing with problems very forcefully. SO the lobbyists' usual cajoles of 'we know you understand and will be sure to help, here's the envelope,' are developing a big OR ELSE clause.

Trump of course understands and actually admires such methods and would need almost no persuasion.