Why can Jews combat antisemitism, but no one condemns hatred towards whites
The Power of Asserting Ourselves: Lessons from Harvard
The recent controversy at Harvard University raises an important question: what does it take for a marginalized group to stand up for themselves? MSNBC’s Joy Reid sparked a similar discussion when she attributed Donald Trump’s success in the Iowa caucus to “too many white Christians” in the state.
While Reid faced no consequences for her remark, wealthy Jewish donors like Bill Ackman took decisive action when they felt university presidents failed to address antisemitism on their campuses. These donors, particularly from the Jewish community, responded strongly by suspending contributions to Ivy League schools after students expressed antisemitic sentiments following Israel’s military response to the Hamas attack.
It’s understandable that alumni would withhold donations from their alma maters when the institution’s values don’t align with their own. After all, most people wouldn’t support calls for the genocide of their own people, right?
Bill Ackman found former Harvard president Claudine Gay lacking in her response to questions about antisemitism during a congressional hearing. He believed her answers were too tepid, especially when she tried to navigate around the issue of whether calls for genocide violated Harvard’s code of conduct. As a result, Gay eventually resigned from her presidency.
Ackman didn’t stop there. He strongly condemned the “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) ideology that he believes fuels this resurgence in antisemitism. However, his actions were somewhat contradictory when he donated $1 million to Democrat presidential candidate Dean Phillips, a staunch supporter of DEI. It seems Ackman’s objections to extreme rhetoric are a bit late in the game.
When the Harvard controversy first made headlines, Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens pointed out that institutions of higher learning have long been breeding grounds for extreme anti-white rhetoric, without any pushback from donors or the general population. In fact, among the intellectual elite, it has become fashionable to denigrate white people.
We can’t forget Susan Sontag’s infamous 1967 indictment of the white race as “the cancer of human history,” which received little public denouncement from academics for decades. Harvard’s Noel Ignatiev even made it his life’s work to “abolish the white race,” as evidenced by his journal Race Traitor. Calls to eradicate “whiteness,” often clumsily distinguished from white people, have become so prevalent that anti-white sentiment has become ingrained in American culture and politics. This is why Reid’s comments about white Christians in Iowa were seen as unremarkable by her audience.
What finally motivates people to stand up for their race? Back in Ignatiev’s time, it seems no one questioned whether his comments violated Harvard’s code of conduct. As someone who has tried to bring attention to this issue, I am forced to ask why objections to white erasure are often silenced.
There seems to be a clear distinction in the responses to calls for erasure—one forceful, the other nonexistent. This distinction should be acknowledged honestly. Otherwise, the missing element in a genuine defense against calls for extermination is a sense of historical victimhood.
In what ways can marginalized groups strategically assert themselves and leverage their resources to bring about desired change
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So why did wealthy Jewish donors like Bill Ackman take such assertive action while others, like Joy Reid, faced no repercussions for their controversial remarks? The answer lies in how these different groups assert themselves and navigate the complexities of power dynamics.
When marginalized groups assert themselves, they often face significant pushback from those in power. This can range from dismissive attitudes to active resistance. However, if done strategically and effectively, asserting oneself can lead to real change and progress.
Ackman and other wealthy Jewish donors understood the power they held as major contributors to Ivy League schools. By suspending their financial support, they were able to send a clear message that antisemitism would not be tolerated. This act of asserting themselves forced university administrations to address the issue and take concrete actions.
On the other hand, Joy Reid’s controversial remark did not face consequences because the power dynamics at play were different. As a media personality, Reid has a platform and influence, which shields her from immediate repercussions. Additionally, the nature of her remark, targeting a majority group, may have played a role in the lack of consequences she faced.
However, it is important to note that Reid’s remark sparked a discussion and highlighted the importance of addressing systemic issues. It reminded us of the power dynamics and inequalities that exist within society.
Asserting oneself can take various forms, from individual acts to collective movements. It requires courage, resilience, and a deep understanding of the power dynamics at play. Marginalized groups must strategically leverage their resources, whether it is financial, social, or intellectual, to bring about the desired change.
Moreover, allies from outside the marginalized group can play a crucial role in amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights. It is through collective action and solidarity that true progress can be achieved.
While the examples of Bill Ackman and Joy Reid demonstrate different outcomes, they both highlight the importance of asserting oneself and holding those in power accountable. The lesson we can learn from Harvard and beyond is that marginalized groups should not be silent, but rather assert their rights and demand the change they deserve.
Ultimately, the power of asserting ourselves lies in our ability to challenge the status quo, disrupt power dynamics, and fight for a more equitable and inclusive society.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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