Comments on: The good ‘ole Alabama-style racism in Israel

By: ToivoS

ToivoS — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:31:27 +0000

Ruth must disagree. It is racism and in international forums it must be called out explicitly in order to pressure local and national governments to take action (or to not take action which will reinforce the growing realization Israel is a racist state).

I also agree with you that “it’s about understanding the complex system of oppression in order to allow a more serious response.” Any community out reach people who are working to persuade the Israeli citizens to stop their racism will need that sensitivity.

By: Ruth Stevens

Ruth Stevens — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:48:24 +0000

I don’t think analyzing the complexity is about being easy on racists, I think it’s about understanding the complex system of oppression in order to allow a more serious response. What’s so brave about calling them racist? There’s a legal fight that needs to happen (and is happening) that is about straight-up discrimination, but a real answer also needs to include educational work in the community, and that means understanding the roots of the situation for everyone involved. The summer social protest (especially in Netanya where I live) had a lot of great shared protests that brought together members of very separate communities, including Ethiopians and Mizrachim. That’s what we need more of here.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:21:24 +0000

Ami, fair enough, I agree that my tone was pretty combative. I figured that since yours was combative, that such a tone was allowed in the comments as well. But it’s your thread, you have the right to set the rules. Now that I understand them better, in the future I’ll phrase my comments in your threads more respectfully.

By: ya3c0v

ya3c0v — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:08:53 +0000

what @Mati is referring to is the concept of defensive othering, when an oppressed person oppresses another to prove to the oppressor that they are better or different. This can happen within an oppressed group (eg wealthier/whiter Oriental Jews against poorer/darker Oriental Jews) or between different oppressed groups.

The question to ask is, why does the phenomenon of the oppressed adopting the social structures of the oppressor occur in so many oppressor/oppressed contexts?

If you noticed, even the Ethiopian Jew who is actively taking to the streets against oppression based on her race/origin adopts the social structure of the oppressor when she says, “we are all Jews”.

When will the oppressed Jews in Israel completely discard the social hierarchy put in place by Ashkenazi Jews that keeps them suspended above non-Jews but at the bottom of the barrel among the Jewish population?

By: Ami Kaufman

Ami Kaufman — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:50:25 +0000

@Elahn – It’s not my video. It’s the JPost.
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You’re right about the title, though. It should have read “American-style” racism. To be more inclusive of all types of racism in America. Apologies to any Alabama racists I may have offended.
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Thanks for the half-assed comment though!

By: Elahn Zetlin

Elahn Zetlin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:30:55 +0000

What a half-assed story. Everyone interviewed in your video are in support of Ethiopians. Where are the people who aren’t selling or renting to them?
Poor journalistic value. Poor title. Alabama??? Really???

By: Greg Pollock

Greg Pollock — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:23:17 +0000

Well, anonymous I have to say bothers me. At least I’m dumb enough to let some secret angency track me down. I still say I’ve learned something from them. But I have not my head above the parapet

By: Ami Kaufman

Ami Kaufman — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:54:32 +0000

Hi Greg – I disagree with your comment (with respect as well). As time goes by, I have developed a “style” of reacting to trolls. These days I have no patience for people who don’t conduct dialogue or give true constructive criticism. Which is not what Aaron did. Since it is my channel, my blog, my little world, I feel free to do on it whatever I want – especially when it comes to anonymous trolls.
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+972 has many bloggers that would have dealt with Aaron’s comments much differently. With a lot more patience and much more respect. But when people come to Half & Half, I like them to know that I play hardball and the rules are “a bit” different. Call me the “Zehavi Atsbani” of the site.
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For example, I disagree with your comment – but your tone was totally acceptable.
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I plan on dealing with Aaron and other arrogant trolls the same way. And I don’t see it at all as “going to down to their level.” In fact, many seem surprised to get a bit of their own medicine. To sum up, I’ve always thought there are enough left wing nice people who answer others politely. It’s time for some anger.
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And if that hasn’t convinced you, then I hope you can simply understand that this is my style – and I’m keeping it

By: Greg Pollock

Greg Pollock — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:16:26 +0000

Having (I hope) shown my support for the +972 endeavor (which gives you nothing, I know), I think Ami’s reply to Aaron a mistake. Segregating away dissent will only limit future possibilities. I have been very frustrated, angered, by comments as well (and I do not work this to live, as you journalists do), and have gone short in reply; but I have also learned things from reading some of those dissents, learned facts they place center, what they dismiss, etc. You play into the hands of the internet right by slapping such down.
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With respect.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:10:48 +0000

er… uhm… “Just like in the South” should be changed to “Just like in the USA.” Sad and true.