Why do people think that the only semites in this world are Jews?

Question

Arabs are semites. So when the Jewish population cries that someone is anti-semitic then really, they are talking about people who are anti arabs and jews. So think again the next time you call an arab an anti-semitic. Think again the next time you hear a claim against an arab being called an anti-semite.
P.S. Notice how arabs don't jump everytime someone comes near them with the "anti-semitic" sign.
http://mb-soft.com/believe/txo/semites.htm
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/semite
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semitic

Answer 1

I think the co-opting of the term 'semite' started with the incorporation of Israel in 1948. Not only the land was reserved for Jews only, but the term describing the people of the region.

What's sad is that the government of Israel attempts to distance itself from its semetic roots, giving the distinct impression that arabic peoples are not close relatives. In fact, all the people of that area, including the Palestinians, other arabs and indigenous Jews, are pretty much alike. And wonderful people, all of them.

Answer 2

This is true; however, words evolve as they are used in a culture, and the usage -- even though it doesn't match the actual meaning -- is referring to being anti-Jewish. It's no secret that Jews share many genetic similarities to Palestinians and that Arabs are Semites, too. It's just that the usage of the term has evolved with culture. This happens a lot, and not just in the English language, where words or phrases take on meanings slightly different from their literal meanings.

I think maybe that's where you're confusion lies. No one is denying that Arabs are Semites. If you would like to study linguistics sometime, it's a very interesing field; I highly recommend it. And good for you for being so perceptive. :)

Answer 3

By definition, Anti-semite only refers to those who discriminate against Jews.
Semite has several definitions, one of which is
"A member of a group of Semitic-speaking peoples of the Near East and northern Africa, including the Arabs, Arameans, Babylonians, Carthaginians, Ethiopians, Hebrews, and Phoenicians."

But the others are where anti-semite is drawn from.
- A Jew.

Bible. - A descendant of Shem.

Common usage and understanding, as well as the intent of the word anti-semite dictate that when one makes an anti-semetical remark, it is a remark which maligns those of the Jewish faith rather than being a remark against "semitic speaking peoples"

Answer 4

Dear SweetFlower,

The term "anti-semitic" refers specifically to racially-motivated anti-Jewish sentiment. While the Arabs, Jews, and other groups in the regions are Semites, this refers more to their language descent than race.

So, while the knowledge is certainly interesting, you are well-aware of the above, and cannot simply redefine a term in common usage to suit your particular desires.

-j.

Answer 5

Despite your "research" on Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Wikipedia, you have failed to understand one important piece of information. The words "Semite" and "Anti-Semite" are not opposites. "Semite" refers only to Middle Eastern languages, and "Anti-Semite" is a term created by a Jew to refer only to prejudice against Jews. When you say that someone is "Anti-Semitic," you are referring to Jews, not to all people who speak a Semitic language. Oddly enough, people can be Semitic and Anti-Semitic at the same time.

Answer 6

Because most people don't think outside the box. They hear something and repeat it, even if it is wrong. It annoys the crap out of me.

The term Semites is applied to a group of peoples closely related in language, whose habitat is Asia and partly Africa. The expression is derived from the Biblical table of nations (Genesis 10), in which most of these peoples are recorded as descendants of Noah's son Sem.

Answer 7

You didn't know, zionists are the chosen people and they say us gentiles are not to be categorized with them.

Notice definition 2

anti-Semitic

adj 1: relating to or characterized by anti-Semitism; hating Jews 2: discriminatory especially on the basis of race or religion [syn: racist, antiblack, anti-Semitic, anti-Semite(a)]

Answer 8

There are good and bad in all races, even the jews. Have the jews cornered the market on the atrosities done to them? I'm sure they would like to think so, however, not hardly. Think of the genocide done to the american indian. And guess what, some of that genocide was done by some jews. Check it out for yourself. I say, to hell with all the people who think they are better than anyone else.

Answer 9

actually, I didn't know that. i have only heard anti-semetic referring to anti-Jewish people.

I didn't ever think about semites being a certain group of people, but now I realize that's true.

thank you for the clarification.

Answer 10

I've often wondered the same thing...but one thing for sure, the arabs are definitely behind in the public relations race...

As for me the one type of person I can't tolerate are the anti-dentites! I have friends who are dentists....