Saturday, August 2, 2014

Antisemitism In The U. S. And Beyond

By Annabelle Holman


Americans are more familiar with the terms bigotry, hatred and racism than antisemitism. The earliest American occurrence of antisemitism in the U. S. Occurred during the civil war. At that point and time, Ulysses S. Grant ordered the expulsion of all non-Christin, non-European, non-whites out of three southern American States. Abraham Lincoln, President at the time immediately rescinded the order. While known best for freeing the slaves, his impact on America was far more reaching than often realized.

The Middle East, Europe and other countries were far more severe with non-whites, Jews and Native Americans than other areas of the World. This is especially true when it comes to Germany, Hitler, World War II and the holocaust. It was during this time when Hitler expelled the Jews from what had always been homeland and sent men, women and children to gas chambers or encampments where many simply worked while awaiting execution.

The first Jewish American students reduced these sentiments in the U. S. More recently, scholars have also found that antisemitism or racism have existed in America since the American revolution. The Native Americans being the first to experience expulsion, execution and racism during the American Revolution.

Most Americans reject antisemitism and racism. Others, find every means possible to create havoc in the lives of innocent individuals and families who appear different than themselves. While this may be the case, it will take a lot of advocates and education before becoming a reality.

Jews have flourished in America since the early days. Following the 19th century, many Jewish communities formed in different areas of the country. Having endured far too many years of hatred and non-acceptance, these communities began forming during the World War II when many escaped the holocaust and arrived in America.

Fortunately, Antisemitic incidents have decreased during the last century. Most likely thanks to the Civil Rights Act, racism in general also saw a decrease in overall racism. Defining the difference between Antisemitism and racism can often be difficult. The clearest definition is that Antisemitism is hatred based on race and religion. Whereas, racial discrimination is strictly based on race alone.

Often based in extreme right wing religion, antisemitism, bigotry and hatred are taught not inherited. Skinheads, well known for antisemitic behavior are responsible for a lot of the current antisemitism in current culture. Sadly, many of these individuals involved in acts of white supremacy have no knowledge of the Jewish Faith. Nor, the people or heritage whom are being discriminated against.

While there are reductions in numbers of Antisemitism, bigotry, hatred and hate crimes overall, even one incident is too many. Unfortunately, there are many who still face persecution on a daily basis because of gender, race, religion and sexual orientation. While much work has been done towards the fight for equality, the fact that these atrocities still exist is proof of that more work is still needed in this area.




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