JWST327 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Semitic Languages

• School: University of Delaware
• Department: Jewish Studies
• Course: JWST327
• Professor: Polly Zavadivker

Document Summary

Lindemann"s general descriptions of antisemitism: complex - not a precise term, potent powerful. Has an appeal or power that needs to be explained: hatred a hatred like no other (pg. Slander, violence, segregation (rooted in discrimination, which stems from dislike/fear, feelings/ideas/stereotypes), ignorance can lead to expression of hatred. Antisemitism is a form of prejudice particularly against jews: prejudice is complex many different groups throughout history have experienced prejudice, not just jews. There is an assumption in this class that the hostility towards jews is different than the hostility experienced by other ethnic groups who have experienced prejudice, which is why there is a different word for it. Antisemitism can take form in denial of events, which is complex and a more recent phenomena. Prior to the late 19th century, jews weren"t considered a race, and races weren"t thought of. Antisemitism arose as looking at jews as a race, as opposed to a community of beliefs, in the 1880s.