Sterotypes

There are people in this world who hate Americans because we have done something that hurt them or because we represent the evil in the world with our commercialism and arrogance.

Obviously they have stereotyped us and what they accuse us of is probably represented by a small number of us.

Similarly, we have a tendency to lump foreign nationals together because of the actions of a small number of them.

Terrorist acts against us involve a relatively small group of people.

Both sides are wrong to make sweeping judgments against people because of the actions of a few.

Still, it is clear that the distrust is not going away soon.

We have a similar problem in this country involving black and white Americans.

I was watching a documentary abut white privilege and while interesting I think it perpetrates a view that is problematic.

White people in this country get treated normally while black people do not.

I think we need to call it discrimination instead of White privilege.  Most white people don't feel privileged.  Being able to shop in a store without being considered suspect is not privilege, it is how it should be.  The fact that black people are considered suspect is the problem.

I think we can all agree that discrimination is simply wrong.  We all should get treated normally.

Its not a privilege, its a right.

Anti-Semetism?

Israel is a country but in many ways it is also a symbol.

It is the ancient land that we know from the bible and a modern country situated in a dangerous part of the world with neighbors who would prefer it did not exist.

Historically that whole area was overrun during various periods in history but was effectively recreated after World War 2 by the occupying country.

This was partly in reaction to the atrocities committed against the Jewish people during that war and partially in response to the politics of the time.

It has had to fight for its survival ever since and it has done so successfully but in doing so it has also expanded its original borders and restricted the rights to some extent of the Palestinians.

I was in Israel in the early 80s and I'm sure it has continued to progress since then.  I would like to clarify that being Israeli and being Jewish are not the same things.

Further Israelis in general have internal politics and a wide range of beliefs, although they almost universally accept that they have the right to exist.

They face a number of thorny issues including what to do with the West Bank, the essence of Israel as a Jewish State and the treatment of Palestinians.

Many Jews around the world support Israel both financially and politically.  It is viewed by many as a homeland and a holy land.

Still, criticizing Israel or even arguing that pressure to support Israel in this country isn't anti-Semitic on the face of it.

It may be based on anti-Semitism, but it may simply be that you disagree with the policies of the country.

Further to argue that the other party is influenced by campaign donations is simply politics as usual.

This is the world we now live in, where comments made on social media are used to press an advantage, even where there really is nothing there.