Bari Weiss, a staff writer and editor at the New York Times and author of "How to Fight Antisemitism," joins for a thought-provoking discussion on the multiple strands of anti-Semitism. They explore the historical context of anti-Jewish sentiment in the U.S., influenced by figures like Charles Coughlin. Weiss reflects on the Tree of Life shooting and the complexities of identity politics. They also tackle the controversial Great Replacement Theory and its implications on cultural discourse, highlighting the urgent need to understand and combat these issues.
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Tree of Life Shooting
Bari Weiss, a Pittsburgh native, was personally affected by the Tree of Life synagogue shooting.
Her father knew several victims, and she wrote about the community's experience.
insights INSIGHT
Three Poles of Antisemitism
Antisemitism exists in right-wing, left-wing, and Islamic forms.
The latter two often intertwine, creating complex dynamics.
insights INSIGHT
Right-Wing Antisemitism
Right-wing antisemitism views Jews as not white enough, yet able to pass as white.
Jews are seen as supporting non-white groups, undermining white supremacist ideals.
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In this book, David S. Wyman argues that the United States and its allies had opportunities to rescue hundreds of thousands of European Jews during the Holocaust but failed to do so due to a combination of nativism, anti-Semitism, and an unwillingness to act on proposals not deemed of direct strategic value. Wyman documents how American and British leaders, including President Roosevelt, turned down proposals that could have saved many lives, and how the U.S. State Department and other governmental agencies obstructed rescue efforts. The book also critiques the American Jewish leadership for not mounting a unified and sustained drive for government action to rescue Jews.
Skin in the game
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
In 'Skin in the Game', Nassim Nicholas Taleb argues that having personal stakes in the outcomes of decisions is crucial for fairness, commercial efficiency, and risk management. The book highlights how individuals and systems that are insulated from the consequences of their decisions often make poor choices. Taleb draws on historical and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of symmetry in risk and reward, and how this principle affects various domains, including politics, economics, and personal life. The book emphasizes that true learning and improvement come from experiencing the consequences of one's actions, a concept encapsulated in the Greek idea of 'pathemata mathemata' or 'guide your learning through pain'.
How to Fight Anti-Semitism
Bari Weiss
In this book, Bari Weiss delivers an urgent wake-up call to all Americans, highlighting the alarming increase in anti-Semitism in the country. She examines the threat from both the far right and the far left, and provides a multifaceted plan for Jews and their allies to fight it. Weiss advocates for embracing Judaism, renewing values, respecting oneself, calling out hateful speech and actions, defending other minorities, building community, and supporting Israel. The book also puts modern anti-Semitism into historical context and emphasizes the importance of Jewish authenticity and community strength in combating this hatred.
Sam Harris speaks with Bari Weiss about her book “How to Fight anti-Semitism.” They discuss the three different strands of anti-Semitism (rightwing, leftwing, and Islamic), the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, the difference between anti-Semitism and other forms of racism, “Great Replacement Theory,” the populist response to globalization, the history of anti-Semitism in the U.S., criticisms of Israel, the fate of Jews in Western Europe, and other topics.
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