I don't know why this is surprising to anyone. Of course it's true. The whole idea of "New Antisemitism" banks on the fact that one cannot/should not distinguish between criticism of Israel and outright antisemitism.

Sounds a lot like not being able to distinguish between criticism of the US Government/War on Terror/War in Iraq and anti-American terrorism. "You're either with us, or you're with the terrorists" anyone?

This is by no means a unique phenonmenon. Appeals to race/state are always helped by a moderate amount of bigotry.

We see it happen on Fark all the time.

some_beer_drinker: tatsuma? tatsuma? pick up the white courtesy phone...

He quit Fark, but I think he was evidence of this thesis in action. Tatsuma had plenty of fans who only knew him as a Jew standing up to antisemites on Fark and rooted him on without reading his posts. His support for the Haredim and Avigdor Lieberman largely was ignored. Questions of his sincerity in claims of joining the IDF were met with dismissal and presumed bigoted in origin rather than just just calling out a chickenhawk as would be normally presumed. He changed from being a non-religious left-leaning kid to a radicalized pseudo-Israeli who saw antisemitism at every turn.

Krymore: I'd be willing to bet that over 90% of the people that frequently use the terms "antisemite" or "antisemitism" don't know what the word "Semite" means. Every time you say anything negative about Arabs, you're being antisemitic.

As a follower of linguistics, I must correct you. Antisemitism was coined specifically in reference to Jews.

solistus: People make this bullshiat argument in a lot of contexts. Basically, the idea is that a community needs an Other or threat to give it a sense of communal identity, so things like anti-Semitism are good.

Yes, Jewish identity may be strengthened if more people are hurting or discriminating against Jews for being Jewish, but how does that make the world a better place for Jews or anyone else?

It depends on your version of a "better place". This isn't a specific mindset to any one group, it's specific to many. There was a graphic making the rounds on Fark about how Fundie Christians pretty much thrived on persecution rather than actual faith.

Even in interpersonal relationships, if a girl and a guy are dating, and the relationship is rocky, the commitment to it can be strengthened by an outside criticism.

It's just human nature folks. Not a big deal.

shipud: I'd be willing to bet that 100% of you

Refresh. ; )