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Wednesday, March 3 2004Englehart cartoonBob Englehart of the Hartford Courant pens this cartoon today:
Our take: Englehart is encouraging the viewer to identify with the idea that the recent rise in anti-Semitism is attributable to Israeli policy. Something like this recent column by two Israelis (which doesn't actually address anti-Semitism), or an inverted version of George Will's point from last week. What's particularly odd about this is that Israel critics have long claimed that criticizing Israel is not tied to anti-Semitism: 'You can be anti-Israel, and not anti-Semitic'. But now Englehart, through his Jewish characters, makes the connection himself, suggesting that Jewish fear of anti-Semitism could be lessened by adjusting Israeli policy. What's your take on this cartoon? We're interested to know -- leave a comment below.
TrackBackTrackBack URL for this entry: Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Englehart cartoon : CommentsNot sure what the cartoonist means by anti-semitism. Does he mean, for exmple, antisemitism in France? In the US? Was there not anti-semitism before Sharon took office? Will it cease when he leaves office? Or is this the overly cautious Jew, who constantly worries about "causing problems" and thus wants no one to make waves lest others dislike Jews? All in all, not very successful as a cartoon, even if it is anti-Israel (I am sure it was not so intended since there is a substantial number of Jews in and around the Hartford area.) In this cartoon the message is that only the Jews are guilty for the hatred against them, this claim is not new, it can be found in all the anti-Semitic propaganda, ancient or new. The formula is simple, blame the victim. The logic is that the Jews, where ever they are, should worry because of Sharon's policy, again the same anti-Semitic claim: All the Jews are responsible for the deeds of other Jew (or Jews), same accusation is the main motive of Mel Gibson's movie, in this sense the artist fails to hide his anti-Semitic view because the guilt for Sharon's policy and the guilt for killing Jesus are the same form of anti-Semitic claim against the Jews. Personally, I do think he's slightly mocking the character in the cartoon. this cartoon can be viewed both as pro-israel and anti-israel. Either way, I dont see anything anti-semitic about it. No need to cry 'wolf' at absolutely anything. I think this is just one more example of the massive amount of cartoons and opinion pieces labelling Ariel Sharon the "cause of all the problems" which started up as soon as he was elected to the Knesset! I dont agree with his policies, but he has been made into a convenient hate figure. Anti-semites have always blamed jews for deserving it. Kind of like blaming the rape vicitm for wanting it. It adds a convenient moral escape for the weak- willed hate monger or an additional flavor or irony for the out-of-the-closet hate-monger. Both are evil, but none is as bad as the greatest threat to safety of jews - those jews who accept such hateful rhetoric as true and accept the generalized blame as warranted and justifiable. The problem with the cartoon is that while Sharon's policies may merit criticism, they are not a justification for anti-Semitism, particularly the anti-Semitism of the type evoked(presumably) by the Mel Gibson film. The transition from dislike of Sharon's policies to anti-Semitism is an irrational act of hate and should never be passively accepted without recognition for what it is. That is why this cartoon is either just very poorly thought out or anti-Semitic. I think this cartoon is really outrageous -- he's directly equating Sharon's policies with deicide, the purported act that has been the source of centuries of horrific anti-Semitism. I can't detect second intentions in this cartoon, it doesn't sound anti-Semitic. The young man speaking wears a "Peace" T-shirt, inferring that he is from the Shalom Asav movement. It is well known that the Israeli leftists are very critical about PM Sharon's policies. The catoonist just expresses such view. BTW, Sharon's policies definitively do not help to cast a better light on the Jews. i am surprised that this cartoon is causing any brouhaha whatsoever... if anything we should be acutely aware that although you can be critical of Israeli gov't policies without being anti-semitic that many use Israeli policies as a springboard for anti-semitism, and thus policy makers should consider the ramifications of their actions as the only Jewish state will necessarily be construed as "Jewish Policies." In the end, the cartoon draws attention to this, and the fact that "Passion's" potential to stir up anti-semitism is significantly less than the expansionist policies of Arik Sharon, particularly in regions where anti-semitism is acceptable. Political cartoons are intended to be, oftentimes, satiric. This is a fine example of that. The character making the outrageous comment is wearing a shirt with the Star of David. He is Jewish. He is, also, most obviously, from the Israeli or American-Jewish peace movement. (Again, look at the shirt and the comment). While to readers like us such a comment seems ridiculous, it is not to the speaker. Having spent time with many of the apologetic, liberal, "peace movement" Jews, I can swear that they hold these beliefs. By juxtaposing such a comment against the Passion of the Christ, a modern-day manifestation of the plays which in Eastern Europe, were directly related to Pogroms and even helped fuel the Holocaust, the cartoonist is trying to show how blind the peace movement is to the true cause of Anti-Semitism. It also juxtaposes the esoteric (a film) vs. the actual (policies). Raising the question of how can one hold policies (practical solutions to difficult problems) responsible for something that is usually much more visceral. But, we can save that argument for when less people misinterpret this cartoon. Anti-Semitism caused by Sharon's policies? What was the excuse before Sharon? Oh I forgot, Barak's policies. And before that Netanyahu's policies, and before that Peres's policies, and before that Rabin's, and so on. On the other hand,the Christians have always used the Jesus-Jew connection to justify Anti-Semitism, regardless of who the Prime Minister was. Or perhaps the cartoonist simply means we should pay more attention to what's going on in the real world and stop getting so whipped up about movies that are made with two things in mind: profit margins and hype. Itis anti Semetic because it states that anti Semitism is caused by Jewish actions and fails to identify the real cause which is non Jewish hatred. I'll comment further on this cartoon later this evening on my own blog, but Backspin's take on it is right on the money. This is an outrageous, offensive cartoon. It implies that anti-Semitism is a valid response to disagreement with the policies of (the demonized) Sharon. "The problem with the cartoon is that while Sharon's policies may merit criticism, they are not a justification for anti-Semitism, particularly the anti-Semitism of the type evoked (presumably) by the Mel Gibson film. The transition from dislike of Sharon's policies to anti-Semitism is an irrational act of hate and should never be passively accepted without recognition for what it is. That is why this cartoon is either just very poorly thought out or anti-Semitic." At best this cartoonist is trying to be too clever, perhaps and example of a definition of a "high brow," a person educated beyond their own intelligence. If this is a spoof on Israel's leftist weak underbelly, which is one of our most serious threats, as I reflect it does have some effect. LIke one can compare different kinds (or sources) of anti-Semitism? It makes no sense. It is to belittle people who worry about the anti-semitic ACTS that probably will result from the film, while claiming that it is Sharon's policies that are the problem, not the anti-semitism. If it is funny at all, it is at the expense of Jewish victims throughout the world. I think it is saying that anti-semitism is here to stay no matter what the reason is. The age old cries of deicide may have evolved into the 'much more politically correct' anti-Israeli policies. On the other hand, it could also show how immature Israelis in the Peace Now movement can be like there is only one side to the story. I have not seen the film, nor do I want to, given a report by a non-Jewish friend of mine. I know very little about Israeli policy, so my comments will be based purely on what I do know. The phrase "anti-Semitism" has always been associated with the Jewish people (Check any Oxford English Dictionary). Checking on the semantics of the word, a "Semite" person refers to any person of Middle Eastern descent, which could conceivably include Arabs, Muslims (whether or not they reside in Saudi Arabia; there is a difference), Egyptians, Christians living in any one of the Middle Eastern countries....the list could go on. The next time the phrase "anti-Semitism" is used to describe anyone, those who use it should perhaps consider who it is they are referring to; it could be themselves! Self-hatred, granted, is possible. Regarding the film: it's about Jesus, who was a Jew. He got killed. End of story. Why is this film any more "anti-Semitic" (as it has been called by its critics) than any other film about people who are persecuted for what they think, say, or do? Perhaps a new phrase needs to be invented for those who hate, so they can more accurately understand who exactly it is they do not like. Perhaps they hate themselves for reasons no one knows. For some readers, they would agree with author, while others would disagree. The cartoon is attacking Sharon, and not the fence currently being erected. Frankly, the movie affirms the presence of JEWS in Israel in large numbers at that time. We need a cartoon about that fact. This is an egregiously insulting cartoon. It raises the old canard about blaming Jews for anti-semitism. Should we rationalize anti-west/anti-Christian feelings in the Arab world because of President's Bush policies? Should we harbour discriminatory feelings against the class/race of people involved in the Enron Affair ? To quote the late genius Abba Eban: "It smells in the nostrils of humanity" sean - The expansionist policies? give me a break. Just because we finally got an Israeli Prime minister who refuses to hand back land until the PA finally lives up to 1/1000th of its promses doesn't make him an expansionist. It makes him a realist. My take on the cartoon? well, let's give it a right wing spin. Sharon's policy toward jewish settlements, he plans on dismantling many of them, is anti-semitic. by bowing to world pressure instead of the people who he is supposed to represent he is forming anti-semitic policies. instead of a unilateral withdrawal he should consider a different approach. For the past ten years it was land for peace, why not keep that up? Now, if the Pals break peace, take back land, land for peace right wing style:) If they behave, don't take land back, and if they ever start doing what they promised.... well, i don't think that'll ever happen. Antisemitism is wrong but nothing new. Mel Gibson's movie is not fuel for more. I agree with a writer from LA who said sometimes Jews are their own worst enemy. Sharon's peace-for-land routine won't work this time any more than it's worked in the past. Bullies love to beat a dog when it's hurt. Bullies like the PA and others who hate Israel will not be satisfied until "God's chosen people" are wiped off the map for good! Fortunately, I've read the back of the book and Israel comes out a winner! Once again, God will fight for his people. Read Deuteronomy again. God sets before Israel and all the world 2 choices: life or death, blessings or curses. The way to blessing is to remember their new covenant with God: God's laws written on their hearts and minds, a life of holiness made possible by the great high priest, Jesus, who paid the penalty for their sin. That's what "The Passion" is all about. It's NOT about hating Jews. It's about reminding all of us what Jesus did for the whole world, the Jew first, and also the Gentile! A Christian friend I think the term anti-semitic is inappropriately used both in the cartoon, and in describing the cartoon. Mr Sharon's policies do make defending Israel harder, and this cartoon is difficult for many of us who love Israel deeply - but anti-semitism is an older, deeper and more potent evil than either Mr Sharon or this cartoon could ever be.
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