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5 - The Why of Antisemitism

from Part II - Antisemitism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 March 2022

David Patterson
Affiliation:
University of Texas, Dallas
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Summary

This chapter examines the metaphysical origins of antisemitism, what drives the phenomenon, and what exactly antisemitism is anti-. Antisemitism, it is argued, cannot be reduced to a form of racism or bigotry. The Nazis, for example, were not antisemites because they were racists; rather, they were racists because they were antisemites: They had to establish an antisemitic premise in order to arrive at a racist outlook. Antisemitism is not a form of racism; rather, racism is a form of antisemitism. The Why of antisemitism is to be found in a fundamental opposition to a fundamental teaching from Judaism concerning the sanctity of the other human being, particularly the stranger. It lies in an ascent to the divine Throne of Judgment on the part of the antisemite, who now determines truth and lie, good and evil, salvation and damnation. Thus the Why of antisemitism lies in succumbing to the most ancient of temptations, the temptation to be like God.

Type
Chapter
Information
Judaism, Antisemitism, and Holocaust
Making the Connections
, pp. 99 - 119
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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  • The Why of Antisemitism
  • David Patterson, University of Texas, Dallas
  • Book: Judaism, Antisemitism, and Holocaust
  • Online publication: 24 March 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009103848.007
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  • The Why of Antisemitism
  • David Patterson, University of Texas, Dallas
  • Book: Judaism, Antisemitism, and Holocaust
  • Online publication: 24 March 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009103848.007
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • The Why of Antisemitism
  • David Patterson, University of Texas, Dallas
  • Book: Judaism, Antisemitism, and Holocaust
  • Online publication: 24 March 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009103848.007
Available formats
×