Reports of anti-Semitism have risen by over 86 percent in 2017, according to the annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents. Racism toward any group is a disgusting display of false superiority. Throughout time, the Jewish community has received the blows of prejudice and xenophobia. Despite the hardships, modern culture has normalized this racism and marginalized their continuing persecution to the point where few see the problem.
Recently, anti-Semitic bullying has doubled in schooling systems. It is rare to find a school that does not contain desks or stalls littered with swastikas. Whether they see it as a “cool” design or an easy tool for discrimination, the symbol is etched throughout campuses by those who either fail to grasp its ramifications or simply do not care. From elementary school to college, students mimic scornful attitudes picked up from the outside world. This copying allows racism to permeate the lives of every student at a young age. As a result, victims experience discrimination early on while others develop believing the behavior is normal.
These students are most likely unaware of the full implications of their actions. Perceiving these comments and symbols as harmless, students shamelessly pass anti-Semitic values without a second thought. However, by normalizing these prejudices, students enter the larger world with deep-rooted stereotypes which have become ingrained over time. This very idea was even implemented by the Nazi party during World War II in order to perpetuate anti-Semitic beliefs.
Anti-Semitism has always infiltrated pop culture, from literature to television. Today, celebrities can play a major role in promoting prejudices against the Jewish community. In Jay Z’s album “4:44,” the rapper denounces racism yet immediately proceeds to reference the stereotype of the Jewish community as “own[ing] all the property in America.” This statement shows the mindlessness with which many insult the Jewish community. Despite its prevalence, many refuse to acknowledge anti-Semitism as racism due to its normalization in our culture.
Felix Kjellberg, known as PewDiePie on Youtube, has made several anti-Semitic statements. Popular among a young audience, this entertainer holds great influence over many minds. The celebrity even went so far as to pay others to display racist content. Furthermore, upon receiving criticism, Kjellberg defended himself by writing the comments off as jokes, claiming satire holds no weight.
However, these racist “jokes” create real issues. Most harassment from Kindergarten through 12th grade are in the form of cruel jokes. Regardless of the intention behind statement, it perpetuates stereotypes that are harmful to the Jewish image. By accepting these jokes, sensitive topics are treated lightly and offensive terms are made commonplace. One of the best ways to minimize these harmful effects is to bring awareness that anti-Semitic commentary on Jewish stereotypes, even as jokes, creates a harmful environment for the victims of those statements.
All stereotypes and racist jokes, malicious or not, create a negative image for the group involved, and it is our duty as a nation to fight back against racism of all kinds and forms. While some may see them as satire, they are tools for discrimination and impediments to social equality. Words hold weight, and choosing positive images instead of negative stereotypes is the first step to creating social equality.
Ethan Gilberti is a 19-year-old English sophomore from New Orleans, Louisiana.
