Anti-Arabism
Reader comment on item: Columbia University Celebrates Edward Said

Submitted by Avraham (United States), Apr 22, 2003 at 23:15

I believe that Edward Said is an anti-Semite, but not anti-Jewish. His justification for "Palestinian" suicide bombers is that they must resist Israeli oppression of their economy and their right to self-determination. The truth, however, is that the most dedicated Islamist terrorists come from the least economically and politically repressed sectors of their society. Their violent actions are not perceived in the Hub of Islam as resistance (although Islamist rhetoric would indicate otherwise), but as a positive act of chosen dignity. From a cognitive-behavioral standpoint, Islamist terrorism is viewed by Islamists as promotion, not prevention.
As for why this implies that Edward Said is anti-Semitic but not anti-Jewish, his justification for "martyrdom" implies that the "Palestinians" have no free will. While the Israelis (a.k.a. the Jews) are in his mind capable of freely deciding to use violence, the "Palestinians" and Arabs/Muslims in general are portrayed as children incapable of making their own decisions and value judgements. In short, while Edward Said gives the Jews free will, he treats the Arabs as stupid animals. Who is needs to adjust his "Center of Orientalism" now, "Professor" Said?

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