Jake Romm, a keen observer of political theory, dives deep into the controversial ties between Zionism and anti-semitism, highlighting influences of European colonialism. He discusses how Zionism has historically sought to undermine Palestinian identity rather than merely exploit their labor. The conversation also touches on themes of machismo in Israeli society, the fallout of the October 7th event on masculinity, and the grim possibility of a permanent occupation of Gaza, framed within the socio-political dynamics of the region.
Jake Romm asserts that Zionism embodies anti-semitic stereotypes, representing a colonial and exclusionary project towards Palestinians.
The exclusion of Palestinians from the economy reflects a dangerous shift that may lead to dehumanization and exterminatory practices.
The aftermath of October 7th demonstrated a crisis of masculinity in Israeli society, influencing aggressive military responses as a reclamation of dominance.
Deep dives
Zionism as a Form of Antisemitism
Zionism is argued to be a manifestation of antisemitism that projects antisemitic stereotypes onto Palestinians, reducing them to a racial other. This perspective posits that although Zionists do not express hatred towards Jews who support their nationalist agenda, they simultaneously embody antisemitic modes of thought in their approach to the Palestinian population. The discussion draws parallels to Horkheimer and Adorno's analysis of antisemitism as a psychic structure, suggesting that Zionism, from its origins, has been entwined with concepts of exclusion and domination reminiscent of historical antisemitic ideologies. The notion here is that Zionism evolved into a framework that not only seeks a homeland for Jews but also often rationalizes the subjugation and marginalization of Palestinians through colonialist logic.
The Exploitation vs. Exclusion of Palestinian Labor
The Israeli economy has historically relied on Palestinian labor, but recent trends indicate a movement towards the exclusion of Palestinians from economic participation, exacerbated by an anti-Palestinian sentiment. This transformation reflects a desire for a Palestinian-free state, where the aim is to utilize foreign labor rather than engaging with the local population that is perceived as economically and socially undesirable. Moreover, the discussion highlights the severe implications this exclusion could have, suggesting that once a population is deemed surplus, it may lead to exterminatory practices rather than coexistence. The systemic removal of Palestinians from the workforce signals a troubling paradigm shift, as the capacity to dehumanize individuals escalates with their perceived lack of utility within the economy.
Gaza: From Ghetto to Camp
The characterization of Gaza has shifted from being viewed as an 'open-air prison' to a 'camp' since the escalation of violence post-October 7th. This perspective argues that Gaza is now subjected to extreme domination, where the population resides under meticulous control akin to a camp setting rather than merely being segregated. The distinction highlights the complete authority exercised over the inhabitants, where survival becomes the primary instinct amidst constant violence. Such a setup invokes historical contexts of camps, emphasizing the brutal reduction of individuals to mere existence under oppressive conditions facilitated by aerial bombardments and military dealings.
A Permanent Occupation Strategy
The ongoing conflict suggests that Israel is preparing for a permanent occupation of Gaza, mirroring the fragmented control seen in the West Bank. This prospective status indicates that even with a ceasefire, the resultant situation will continue to inflict profound suffering, characterized by intermittent violence and systemic control. The anticipated strategies seem to revolve around deeper military encroachment while further dismantling any semblance of Palestinian autonomy and self-governance. The complexity of potential outcomes from a renewed occupation raises fundamental questions about human rights and the sustainability of Palestinian life under yet another layer of domination.
The Role of Masculinity in Conflict Perception
The events of October 7th are described as deeply emasculating for Israeli society, which prides itself on a hyper-masculine national identity built around military prowess. This perceived loss instigates intense responses wherein the attacks are seen to challenge national virility, leading to subsequent violence as a method of reclaiming dominance. As a coping mechanism, there is a tendency to project vulnerabilities onto the perceived 'feminization' of conflicts and enemies, manifesting in bizarre acts of aggression and humiliation. This interplay of masculinity within the context of warfare shapes both public sentiment and aggressive military responses, revealing essential societal undercurrents about identity, power, and perceived threats.
Zionism, and the project of ethnic cleansing and colonial settlement in historic Palestine, is often rightly compared to other projects of European colonialism. But in a recent essay for Parapraxis, my guest Jake Romm argues that Zionism not only has been influenced by the European imperial project, but that it has also been massively shaped by anti-semitism, and that in its recapitulation of anti-semitic stereotypes, and even anti-semitic practice, it makes sense to view Zionism as a species of anti-semitism itself.
We talked about how Jake came to this view via Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno's The Dialectic of Enlightenment, why he thinks Zionism has always been bent on the destruction of the Palestinian people and could never be content with merely exploiting Palestinian labour. And we also talked about the extreme machismo of Israeli society, and how October 7th was experienced as an emasculating event. Finally, we talked about Israel's likely turn to a permanent occupation of Gaza - and the possibility of the creation of new Israeli settlements in the territory.
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