Anti-Semitism in Kansas, Ukraine proves hatred alive and well

[Behind the Aegis]

As shocking as it may seem, the devastation and horror of World War II ended nearly 70 years ago. The world has changed considerably in the decades that followed, but recent events remind us just how fresh some of the wounds of that era remain. A deranged man went into a Jewish Community Center near Kansas City with the intent of killing Jews just prior to the start of Passover. He opened fire, killing three people — none happened to be Jewish — before shouting “Heil Hitler” after police had him in custody.

Aside from the terrifying reminder that white supremacists continue to target Jews in our own country, many saw news last week that sounded all too familiar. Pamphlets were distributed in eastern Ukraine ordering all Jewish people to register with the government or face losing their citizenship. Many called into question the origin of the pamphlets, and as of this writing, no one is exactly sure who is responsible. One thing is sure: Nearly 70 years after six million Jewish people met their end at the hands of Hitler and the Nazis, anti-Semitism is alive and well.

After the Holocaust, Jewish people defiantly said, “Never again,” but here we are: Almost 15 years into the 21st century, we’re still dealing with anti-Semitism on the front page of the newspaper.

Regardless of the origin of the pamphlets — many do not believe they came from a government entity — we should not ignore the fact that Jewish people remain targets of hatred throughout the world, and no matter what tragedy strikes, there are some who will not stop until they eradicate the world of Jewish people.

What we need to realize is that even in our interconnected world, some human beings still want to do horrible things to others, and even in our interconnected world, many of us ignore the signs. We can brush off the pamphlets in Ukraine as nothing more than a small group trying to push the tension there beyond the breaking point, but we have a responsibility to acknowledge that racism, anti-Semitism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of hatred exist.

more: http://www.alligator.org/opinion/columns/article_01306f76-c903-11e3-a53f-001a4bcf887a.html

[JNelson6563]

1. Are we devolving? It seems we're going backwards.

I will never understand this crap. Wtf is wrong with people?

Julie

[Behind the Aegis]

2. When it comes to anti-Semitism, definitely!

Racism, I feel we are moving forward, but at a snail's pace given strides in the past. Homophobia and sexism, it depends on the year, which sounds strange to say. I also see liberal people getting sucked into some of the issues, but the right are leading the way, and are becoming more outspoken. It used to be certain things weren't said in polite company, now, we do seem to be sliding backwards. It is almost as if people look for more clever ways to spread hate....and succeed!

[Scootaloo]

4. "It is almost as if people look for more clever ways to spread hate"

While others stick with the tried and true methods, like making web forums to circulate racism and bigotry.

How fortunate that some of those cretins seem unable to pay the server bills, though.

One wonders what happens to the communities that form around such cesspits.

One wonders.

[Behind the Aegis]

5. Or how they couch their comments in "criticism."

Or make false allegations in order to promote their own bigotries, be it homophobia or anti-Semitism, for example. It is fortunate some have figured out a way to mock, minimize, and ridicule and still keep appearances.

One wonders.

[Enthusiast]

6. This hatred and intolerance is being cultivated by the extreme political right.

Watch Fox "News" if you don't believe it. You will soon see examples where hatred and intolerance are being promoted right on Fox.

Fascism cannot exist in an environment free of hatred and intolerance.

[JNelson6563]

7. Agreed.

I'm very happy to say I don't have TV. Life is much better without it.

It does seem the right is making progress in whipping up hate for all sorts of people. As long as everyone's got someone to hate &they work hard to sow those divisions. It's always disappointing to see DUers do the same here. I start to wonder if ANYONE realizes we're all in this together?

Julie

[TreasonousBastard]

3. 3 steps forward, 2 back...

or maybe sometimes just one back.

The flyer in Ukraine appears to be a hoax, and one deranged asshole in Kansas means there's one deranged asshole in Kansas.

Not that things are great but, unlike not that long ago, these things are now outliers, illegal, and not supported by the greater community.

When I was a kid, I knew about country clubs with no Jews allowed, "restricted" Fifth Ave. apt buildings, and civil rights for black Americans were a dream. I lived in a neighborhood with Holocaust survivors, and my next door neighbor's grandmother had a number tatooed on her forearm, but Jews were still not all that welcome everywhere. Black entertainers famous and welcomed around the world could not perform in some venues in Washington DC, and certainly couldn't get a hotel room there. Even if they were invited to perform for the President.

Gay? Don't go there back then. Ever.

Things aren't perfect now, but we're at the cleanup stage. The heavy lifting has been done and now we sweep up the dregs. It may be a tough job to get those dregs out, but now it's the thing to do.

[yuiyoshida]

8. Anti-Semitism, Racism, Misogyny, Sexism....

All part of the Right wing, Tea Party Republicans. It hasn't stopped. Even today while in a chat room, I ran into a guy who insisted I was a "Chink Whore" and He didn't even know me. It didn't matter, he told me..."You're all the same..go the fuck back to China".

I was born here...I am an American .. I am a Japanese American...

To him.. it didn't matter, ...haters gotta hate.