Antisemitism – a mirror to primitive brains

Abstract

This essay discusses antisemitism as an example of prejudice rooted in primitive urges that human civilization has not overcome. The author starts from the observation that violence and cruelty, which in animals may have evolved to support survival, persist in humans and are reflected in daily killings and conflicts between nations, and suggests that if the cruelty urge is a built-in default, attention should turn to how it can be prevented or restrained. Prejudice ideas are described as arising from misleading education, brainwashing, naïve perception of reality and the influence of incited masses, and as persisting despite ethical rules, taboos and justice systems. Antisemitism is presented as hatred directed mostly against Jews, linked to religious accusations and blood libels that incited pogroms, and as part of a broader pattern in which weak minorities that differ in religion, customs or economic background become targets for incited mobs and scapegoats for rulers seeking to deflect responsibility. Examples include Nazi indoctrination against Gypsies and Jews, blood libels and the 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion'. The essay notes that education does not necessarily protect against prejudice, extends the argument to the oppression of women, and warns that global networks now provide powerful new means of shaming and spreading prejudice among young people, suggesting that civilization is on a bad track in this respect.

Abstract prepared by the editorial office from the full text of the article; the authors did not supply one.