The Fine Line Between Denouncing ‘Settler Colonialism’ and Supporting Terrorism
Jan 16, 2024
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Exploring the weaponization of academic doctrines to delegitimize the existence of Israel and Western societies. Discussion on the origins and significance of the term 'Turtle Island' and its association with creationist beliefs. The impact of settler colonialism on Indigenous societies in the Americas, including conflicts between Native American tribes. Exploring the battle between identity politics and class-based politics within the left. Delving into the complexities surrounding settler colonialism and its implications for Israel. Examining sentiments on Israel and Palestine, including a disturbing chant calling for a pre-Israel era.
The rise of the term 'settler colonialism' is being used to delegitimize Israel and justify terrorism as Indigenous resistance.
A nuanced approach is required to understand Indigenous issues and the complexities of settler colonialism.
Deep dives
The Rise of Settler Colonialism and Turtle Island
The podcast episode explores the rise of the term 'settler colonialism' in progressive circles in the United States and Canada. The host highlights a trend where activists and academics are using the concept of settler colonialism to delegitimize the state of Israel in the context of the conflict in Gaza. This rhetoric includes justifying Hamas terrorism as Indigenous resistance against the Jewish state. The episode also discusses the emergence of the term 'Turtle Island' within progressive circles, which refers to the North American continent from an Indigenous perspective. The host engages in a conversation with a guest about the complexities of Indigenous issues and the distorted views of Indigenous cultures and history. The discussion raises questions about the religious undertones, moral implications, and potential anti-Semitic connotations associated with the use of the settler colonialism framework.
Historical Context and Indigenous Experiences
The episode delves into historical context, acknowledging the reality of European colonialism in the Americas and its impact on Indigenous societies. Specific examples, such as the experience of the Navajo tribe, highlight the complex dynamics of settler colonialism. The discussion emphasizes that while settler colonialism has occurred, it is essential to recognize the diverse perspectives and nuances within different regions and historical periods. The conversation highlights the importance of a nuanced approach to understanding Indigenous issues and the challenges of oversimplifying complex histories.
The Controversy of Language and Claims of Indigeneity
The episode explores the language used in discussions about settler colonialism and Indigenous issues. It addresses the adoption of creationist understandings of the world's origins within progressive circles, specifically the reference to Turtle Island and the concept of 'two-spirit.' The conversation raises questions about the authenticity and appropriation of Indigenous cultures, as well as the potential for such language to lead to exaggerations and misrepresentations of Indigenous societies. The complexities and limitations of categorizing people as either Indigenous or non-Indigenous are also discussed.
The Ethics and Politics of Settler Colonialism
The episode discusses the ethical and political implications of the settler colonialism framework. It examines how the concept is applied to Israel, emphasizing the unsettling rhetoric that calls for the destruction or delegitimization of the Jewish state. The conversation raises concerns about the moral justifications used in the context of settler colonialism and the potential consequences of adopting such a binary understanding of Indigenous people and non-Indigenous settlers. The episode also touches on the tension between identity-based and class-based politics within leftist circles.
Atlantic magazine writer Michael Powell talks to Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay about his latest article—The Curious Rise of Settler Colonialism and Turtle Island—in which he explains how activists are weaponizing fashionable academic doctrines to delegitimize the existence of Israel, the United States, and other Western societies.
