Module 2-5: Definitions, Diversity, Taxonomies, and Theories of Antisemitism

Flashcards generated from lecture notes covering definitions, demographics, taxonomies, and theoretical models of antisemitism.

When, where, and why was the term "antisemitism" originally coined?

It was created in late-19th-century Germany specifically to describe hatred of Jews as a supposed race rather than strictly as a religious group.

What did the term "Semitic" originally denote when created in the late 1700s?

It was created by European scholars in the late 1700s to refer to a group of languages (such as Arabic, Aramaic, Amharic, and Hebrew), not a group of people.

How is antisemitism usually defined today?

Today, it generally means anti-Jewish prejudice or hostility toward someone because they are Jewish, which can include stereotypes, conspiracy theories, demonization, and hostile actions or speech.

What is "the Imagined Jew"?

A false stereotype created by antisemites that treats all Jewish people as if they share the exact same characteristics (such as being greedy, dishonest, controlling, or conspiratorial), ignoring their actual diversity.

What is anti-Zionism?

Anti-Zionism is opposition to the existence of a Jewish state in the territory of Israel.

What three principles regarding Israel and antisemitism do the IHRA, Jerusalem Declaration, and Nexus definitions all agree on?

They agree that: 1) Criticism of Israel is not automatically antisemitic; 2) Using classic antisemitic stereotypes when criticizing Israel can be antisemitic; and 3) Blaming all Jews for the actions of Israel is antisemitic.

What are the dangers of a definition of antisemitism being too narrow or too broad?

A definition that is too narrow could miss forms of antisemitism and fail to recognize anti-Jewish ideas or behavior. A definition that is too broad could potentially label legitimate criticism or disagreement as antisemitic.

What are the historical connections of Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jewish groups?

Ashkenazi Jews are historically connected to Central and Northern Europe; Sephardi Jews to Spain and areas around the Mediterranean (including North Africa, Turkey, and Greece); and Mizrahi Jews to the Middle East.

How many Eastern European Jews immigrated to America between 1880 and 1920?

More than 2.5 million Eastern European Jews immigrated to America between 1880 and 1920.

What are two central features of Judaism listed in the notes?

1) Monotheism (belief in/worship of one God) and 2) Sacred texts and traditions, especially the Torah, along with religious laws and traditions such as keeping kosher and observing the Sabbath.

How do Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism differ in their view of Jewish religious law?

Orthodox views Jewish religious law as binding; Conservative views law as binding but open to interpretation as an evolving tradition; Reform views law as non-binding with a strong emphasis on ethical traditions.

How did the size of the world Jewish population relative to the global population change from before WWII to 2022?

Before WWII, there were about 16.7 million Jews (around 0.7% of the world's population). In 2022, there were about 15.2 million Jews (around 0.2% of the world's population).

How old is Judaism, and how does its age compare to Christianity and Islam?

Judaism's origins date back approximately 1500–2000 BCE, making it older than Christianity and Islam.

What does the term "Diaspora" mean?

Diaspora refers to the spreading of a people away from their homeland.

What are Deborah Lipstadt's three categories of antisemites and their respective goals?

1) Extremist: Goal is to eliminate Jews. 2) Social/Dinner Party: Goal is to keep Jews away. 3) Clueless: Has no specific goal.

How do White Nationalists view Jews according to the lecture notes?

White Nationalists generally do not consider Jews to be white, and some believe Jews are secretly conspiring to control world affairs or undermine white supremacy.

What dynamic approach to taxonomy did Michael Marrus propose?

Michael Marrus proposed that antisemitism is dynamic, meaning people can move between categories depending on circumstances, and that antisemitism can strengthen during times of crisis.

Why are social or "dinner party" antisemites uniquely dangerous?

They can make antisemitic stereotypes and jokes seem normal or acceptable in everyday life, continuing to spread stereotypes even if they deny being antisemitic.

Why can labeling someone an "antisemite" be problematic?

It can shift attention away from specific behavior or expressions, make someone defensive, and prevent productive conversation.

What is the Essentialist Theory of antisemitism and what is its main critique?

It asks what is supposedly different or distinctive about Jews or Judaism to explain antisemitism. The critique is that it can make antisemitism seem caused by something inherent or fundamental about Jews.

What is the Eternalist Theory of antisemitism, and who criticized it?

It argues that antisemitism has always existed and will always exist, focusing on historical continuity. Hannah Arendt criticized it for making antisemitism seem unchanging and inevitable.

What is the Functionalist Theory of antisemitism, and what critique was made by Hannah Arendt?

Functionalist Theory focuses on the psychological or social purpose antisemitism serves for antisemites. Arendt criticized scapegoat theory within it for failing to explain why Jews specifically become the target.

What is the Historicist Theory of antisemitism and its key limitation?

It focuses on the specific historical time, place, and situation where antisemitism occurs. Its limitation is that it may not fully explain the similarities across different historical periods.

What is the Onion Model of antisemitism, and who developed it?

Developed by Linda Maizels, it states that antisemitism develops in layers over time (Ancient, Medieval, Racial/scientific, and Modern), where old stereotypes remain and adapt as new ones are added on top.

In functionalist terms, how do projection and displacement differ?

Projection involves putting one's own unwanted qualities onto someone else. Displacement involves redirecting anger toward a safer or more powerless target.

What is the key difference between Scapegoat Theory and Envy Theory?

Scapegoat theory focuses on blame (blaming Jews during a crisis for a problem they did not cause), whereas Envy theory focuses on comparison (resenting Jewish success out of feelings of insecurity or inferiority).

What argument did Daniel Goldhagen make regarding German national identity?

Daniel Goldhagen argued that eliminationist antisemitism was an important part of German national identity and particularly distinctive to Germany.

Who was Sigmund Freud as described in the notes?

Sigmund Freud was an Austrian Jewish neurologist, founder of psychoanalysis, and author of "Moses and Monotheism."

What contributions did Rev. James Parkes and Jules Isaac make to understanding antisemitism?

Rev. James Parkes argued that Christian history played an important role in changing Jewish-Christian relationships, while Jules Isaac wrote about the Christian roots of antisemitism and the "teaching of contempt."