| Come on Dave, what`s really the big difference between calling someone anti-Jewish, as you seem happy to, and anti-Semitic? Of course, Semitic isn`t identical to Jewish but in this context, that is what is understood, and language is all about understanding. Semitism is just a noun derived from semiitic. It`s never a standalone word, and doesn`t imply anything about some mysterious force called Semitism. Replacing anti-Semitic with antisemitic is a complete waste time. Replacing anti-Semitic with anti-Jewish on the other hand would be an excellent idea. It`s more accurate. Having said that, do remember there`s a certain sinister grandiose quality about anti-Semitic. It conjures up images of Wagner and Hitler and Himmler and is, among other things, useful for hurling at critics of Israel. Calling someone anti-Jewish or anti-Israeli doesn`t have quite the same sinister impact. It just becomes like being anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, anti-European, anti-Brit. No better, no worse. |
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