David Baddiel, comedian and writer, discusses the oversight of Jewish identity, debunking myths about Jewish control, and the complexities surrounding Jewish success. They also explore the issue of criticism towards certain communities and the oversimplification of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The speakers highlight double standards in society and the concept of punching up and punching down.
Antisemitism is often neglected and silenced within progressive movements, disregarding the discrimination and prejudice faced by Jews.
The notion of Jewish success and achievement should not be construed as evidence of disproportionate control or influence, but rather as a result of cultural factors and historical circumstances.
The expectation for Jews to constantly answer for the actions of the Israeli government is unfair and racist, and discussions about Israel should be separated from conversations about antisemitism and Jewish identity in other contexts.
Deep dives
The Neglect of Antisemitism and Jewish Identity
The podcast episode discusses the neglect of antisemitism and Jewish identity within progressive movements. The speaker argues that while other minorities receive support and recognition for their struggles, Jews are often disregarded or silenced when it comes to discussing discrimination and prejudice. The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing antisemitism as a separate issue from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or politics.
The Perception of Jewish Success and Disproportionality
The podcast explores the perception of Jewish success and the idea of disproportionality. The speaker challenges the notion that Jewish achievements in various fields are evidence of disproportionate control or influence. It is argued that Jews, like any other minority, have individuals who excel in certain areas due to cultural factors and historical circumstances. The speaker highlights the need to differentiate between different forms of racism and the impact of antisemitism on Jewish communities globally.
The Connection Between Israel and Antisemitism
The podcast delves into the relationship between Israel's existence and the perception of Jews as powerful and wielding unethical influence. The speaker criticizes the expectation placed on Jews to constantly disengage from or answer for the actions of the Israeli government. It is argued that such demands are unfair and racist. While the speaker stresses the importance of discussing and addressing issues related to Israel, they highlight the need to separate these conversations from discussions about antisemitism and Jewish identity in other contexts.
The Persistent Stereotyping of Jews and Negative Portrayals in Media
The podcast episode discusses the persistence of negative stereotypes and portrayals of Jews, particularly related to their association with money and power. The speaker highlights how, unlike other minorities, negative portrayals and stereotypes of Jews are often unquestioned and even celebrated in popular media. They raise the point that even if there is some truth to the association between Jews and finance, it does not justify the negative portrayals. The speaker argues that the focus on economic status and whiteness disregards the complexities of Jewish identity and marginalizes them in discussions of diversity and equity.
Antisemitism, Intersectionality, and the Left's Perceptions
The podcast episode explores antisemitism within intersectional progressive movements and the left. The speaker points out that when discussing antisemitism, it is often bundled together with discussions of all forms of racism, instead of being addressed separately. They argue that Jews are often excluded or overlooked in conversations about diversity and equity, despite being the target of historical and contemporary antisemitism. The speaker suggests that the left's focus on power dynamics and association of Jews with whiteness and wealth contributes to this marginalization. They also touch on the complexity of Jewish identity and the challenges Jews face in expressing vulnerability and experiences of antisemitism.
Are Jews a minority? Do they deserve the same social-justice protections as other identity groups? Or are they white—perhaps even the “whitest” of white privileged elites?
David Baddiel is a comedian and writer. He helped turn comedy into ‘the New Rock’n’Roll’ when he created the hit TV shows ‘The Mary Whitehouse Experience’ and ‘Newman & Baddiel in Pieces’. He’s appeared on the UK’s biggest comedy shows including ‘Little Britain’, ‘Skins’, ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, and ‘QI’, and he performed to 12,500 people at the Wembley arena in the UK’s first ever stadium comedy show.
Now, he has turned his ferocious intellect to his Jewishness. How does the social-justice Left think about Jews? Where do Jews fit in a ‘woke’ worldview? Baddiel’s brilliant new book and TV documenatry are both called “Jews Don't Count”.