On Wednesday, the United States House of Representatives approved yet again legislation (this time H. Res. 352) to counter “antisemitism” — something the US government has been redefining for its purposes as going beyond being related to race, ethnicity, or religion so that it also includes criticizing the government of Israel. In its concluding section the resolution states, in addition to a couple other demands, that the House “calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and counter all acts of antisemitism.”
Here the desire is to cling deceptively to the designation of “antisemitism” that has significant weight because it is still commonly understood as not including criticizing the government of Israel. The expanded meaning “antisemitism” label can then be used as a tool to try to suppress growing distaste among Americans for Israel government actions undertaken with the enthusiastic and critical aid of the US government, including congressional leadership that is all in on supporting the Israel government.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) cast the sole “no” vote on H. Res. 352.
I want here to zero in on one of the supporting arguments made in the resolution. “Whereas, according to the American Jewish Committee, almost 70 percent of Jewish adults report experiencing antisemitism online, including on social media,” the resolution proclaims. Looking to the mentioned source, you can see that in answer to the question “Over the past 12 months, have you seen or heard any antisemitic content, such as comments, posts, or videos, online or on social media?” seven percent of a poll’s respondents said “yes, one time” and 60 percent said “yes, more than one time,” while 33 percent said “no.”
Big whoop. Sure, many people who look at least somewhat often and somewhat widely through the internet would answer “yes, more than one time” to the question no matter if “antisemitism” means what it is commonly understood to mean or has the meaning under the US government pushed definition. The catch is many people would have good reason to give the same answer if content “anti” a long list of alternative races, ethnicities, religions, and governments were asked about instead of “antisemitism.” Welcome to the internet where plentiful negative comments are available for viewing. Thin-skinned people may be wise to tread with caution.
