Anti-Semitism: An Etymological Quandary
Anti-Semitism: An Etymological Quandary Jilani Warsi Webster, a reputable name in lexicography, defines Anti-Semitism as hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group (“anti-Semitism”). Being consistent with its definition of anti-Semitism, Webster delineates the meaning of Semitism as policy or predisposition favorable to Jews. Following this definition, it follows logic then that any policy, statement, or action condescending and disrespectful toward Jews be considered anti-Semitic. Etymologically, the use of the term Anti-Semitism in political and public discourse with the intention of deploring misrepresentations and mistruths defaming and damaging Jewish people’s reputation would be consistent if the meaning of Semite only included Jews. However, Webster defines Semite as a member of any of a number of peoples of ancient southwestern Asia including the Akkadians, Phoenicians, Hebrews, and Arabs, indicating that these four ethnic