The Chris Hedges Report

The Shared Mythological History of Israel and the US (w/ Joan Scott) | The Chris Hedges Report

9 snips
May 29, 2025
Joan Scott, Professor Emerita at Princeton and an expert on historical narratives, joins Chris Hedges to explore the complex relationship between Israel and the U.S. They delve into how the Holocaust shapes Jewish identity and influences perceptions of Palestinians. Scott discusses the narratives developed around Israel, including comparisons to Native American dispossession. They also critique portrayals of Zionism in popular culture and the political ramifications of Christian Zionism, especially in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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INSIGHT

Shared Myths Bind US and Israel

  • Israel and the United States share intertwined national myths of exceptionalism and divine destiny.
  • This cultural bond exempts both from international law and fosters disdain for perceived 'lesser' peoples.
INSIGHT

Biblical Roots of US-Israel Bond

  • The biblical idea of America as 'Our American Israel' fuels political and religious support for Israel.
  • Christian Zionists see Israel as central to the second coming of Christ, intertwining American identity with biblical prophecy.
INSIGHT

Invincible Victim Narrative

  • Jews are framed as "invincible victims," resilient despite historic persecution.
  • This rhetoric justifies Israeli resistance and military strength, appealing to leftists and feminists through socialist ideals like kibbutzim.
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