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We’re about to learn a little more about the state of
anti-Semitism on the American left.
America’s thought police routinely excoriate people,
especially those in the public eye, for racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic
and Islamophobic remarks.
Yesterday, the Daily Show announced that Jon Stewart would
be replaced by South African comedian Trevor Noah.
Under Stewart, the show has been an influential propaganda organ
for liberal and progressive causes. Jon Stewart was where young Americans went
to find out what to think.
Now, it happens that Trevor Noah has written a number of
anti-Semitic tweets. The Daily Mail reprints a selection.
And,
Will Noah be allowed to make a “sincere” apology and keep
his job? Or will he be forced out?
The decision will tell us where the young American liberal
mind is today.
4 comments:
Vox is worried too:
http://www.vox.com/2015/3/31/8319065/trevor-noah-twitter-offensive-jokes The line between funny and offensive is thin. Trevor Noah is on the wrong side.
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In these tweets, Noah is consistently shaming three groups of people: Jews, women, and LGBT people."
...these jokes are offensive because they are reflections of cultures that are oppressive and privileged — and rather than being critical of those societal constructions, the jokes instead reinforce them. The jokes imply that it is acceptable — funny, even — to belittle gay, heavy, or Jewish people.
But here's what makes Noah's situation different: his new platform as the host of The Daily Show. He's not a standup comedian anymore. He's about to step into a job that discusses high-profile political and social issues. Noah needs to be trusted to be able to do that in a way that is smart and fair and certainly not bigoted. As Jamie Weinstein wrote for the Daily Caller, "Many young people don't watch ‘The Daily Show' just to laugh — they watch the show to get their news. The show shapes perceptions."
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Well said....
I've mentioned previously my concern about growing Judeophobia.
"Anti-Semitism" is a misnomer - Arabs are Semites too - "Jew Hatred" seems hyperbolic (so far, anyway); and ".... Phobia" is au courant and, I think, apposite in this case.
It's less wide-spread and virulent in US, but obviously more mainstream - on the Left.
It troubles me.
BTW. I think the troubled Mel Gibson's one drunken offense was too harshly punished. He has - cliche alert! - many Jewish friends and associates. -- Rich Lara
The Left is currently rallying to Trevor Noah's defense... on the grounds that he grew up in South Africa. Apparently, this gives him a pass on anti-Semitism.
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