Why does it seem worse to be 'anti-semitic' than to be racist against any other race?

Question

If someone says something derogatory about a black person, a latino, an asian, etc., then they are called a 'racist'. But why is there an actual term for someone who says derogatory things about Jews: anti-semite? If I say something bad about a Jew, why can't I just be called a racist? Are the Jews so special that they get their own word?

Answer 1

Google AIPAC for the answer

Answer 2

Jews didn't invent the term "anti-semite", just in case you didn't know that.

A German professor of languages, A.L. von Schlozer, first coined the word "semitic", in 1780, to describe some Middle Eastern languages, including Hebrew and Arabic.

Up to that time the word did not exist and neither Jews nor Arabs had ever been referred to as "Semites". Jews have been called Hebrews, after Ever, an ancestor of Abraham and the Jew's language has always been called "Hebrew".

In circa 1880, one hundred years later, a German Jew-hater, Wilhelm Marr, who was searching around for a suitable title for an anti-Jewish organization, which he founded, came across the term "Semitic" languages, and named his group "The Antisemitic League".

During the next 50 years or so the term "antisemitism" became accepted as meaning opposed to, hating, or against Jews. It has never meant anything else.

http://www.infoisrael.net/cgi-local/text.pl?source=3/c/140820021


And why would you say something bad about someone being a Jew anyway? If you're (or anyone is) doing that, it indicates that some sort of brain damage causing real stupidity.

No racism is right, and they are all a bit different from each other. Antisemitism is also different in many ways than other types of racism. You may want to educate yourself on it a bit.

http://www.aish.com/seminars/whythejews/

http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/focus/antisemitism/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_antisemitism

http://www.adl.org/special_reports/protocols/protocols_intro.asp

http://ddickerson.igc.org/antisemitism.html

http://www.antisemitism.org.il/

Answer 3

This is a complex area, and yes, arguably 'racist' should cover everything in this area. See the links below for info on the history of the anti-semitic phrase and other background information.

Also be aware that part of the reason that this is such a potent phrase is because some of those with extreme views have appropriated the awful memories of the Holocaust for their own current political ideals.

Answer 4

Good question. I believe that it must have something to do with the fact that Jesus Christ was Jewish. Although the Jews have not accepted Him as the Messiah, some of us to who believe, take offense to a derogatory statement made about Jews.

Answer 5

Well because Semite is a word for Jew, I guess. Some people are only anti-black. There could be a Latino who hates blacks. Or Asians. Trust me, I'm half East Indian, and that side of my family has something against them, and I know so do a lot of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, etc. And just because someone hates a Jew, doesn't mean they hate Blacks and Latinos. They could be a white, black, or latino or asian Christian, who doesn't agree with Judaism, and thinks that Jewish people are stupid and a waste of life or wat ev. Idk. I'm just 13.

Answer 6

It's the same thing with fat people and sins, people who have control over things or they are things will not condemn them like a person might condemn a race as dirty people becuause they see them all the time in a poor area and they are rich or a preacher might condemn homosexuality but yet he is as big as a house with gluttony which is the same it's a sin. I don't get it except to it is a vicious pecking order that says well i'm still better than you and I look down on you to make me look better. It is mean and vicious and why I hate human beings. It is their worst attribute.

Answer 7

Technically they all have a specific word. anti-semitism was identified earlier I guess. Practically, it's probably because they're the most "white" of all races and float to the top as a "model" minority. Racism is racism, period and it's all deplorable.

Go down to your local college and have a chat with a sociology professor. They're always fun to talk to.

Answer 8

to me, hating any group is approximately equally bad

I'm especially sensitive agianst hate against mentally ill people.

I heard a potentially bad fight light and called 911, I can't help thinking they know I'm labeled Bipolar, since she asked "what did you THINK you heard?" would she have asked that same question of anyone? Is it just paranoia on my part? The cops Do have records of stuff like that. I try to just let it go, its hard sometimes though.

Answer 9

Your attitude is a perfect example of why. Ever heard of something called the Holocaust? Did any other race have ovens made for them? How bout worrying about something else?

Answer 10

I think it's just increased sensitivity because the Jews haven't exactly had the best deal. However you're right. It's all prejudice the same.

Answer 11

Because the Jews secretly control the government and the media through an international cabal based in Switzerland?