(New York Times) Editorial - The Times published an appalling political cartoon in the opinion pages of its international print edition last week. The cartoon was chosen by a production editor who did not recognize its anti-Semitism. The appearance of such an obviously bigoted cartoon in a mainstream publication is evidence of a profound danger - not only of anti-Semitism but of numbness to its creep, to the insidious way this ancient, enduring prejudice is once again working itself into public view and common conversation. For decades, most American Jews felt safe to practice their religion, but now they pass through metal detectors to enter synagogues and schools. History teaches that the rise of extremism requires the acquiescence of broader society. Society in recent years has shown healthy signs of increased sensitivity to other forms of bigotry, yet somehow anti-Semitism can often still be dismissed as a disease gnawing only at the fringes of society. That is a dangerous mistake. As recent events have shown, it is a very mainstream problem.
2019-05-01 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive