Antisemitism (read: Jew hatred) has been around since Jews have, although like a virus, it has mutated in to different forms over the years.
After the Holocaust, antisemitism was “out of fashion,” and the Jew haters of the world had to find a new way. Following the establishment of the modern state of Israel, the opportunity presented itself to hide behind the guise of “anti-Zionism.”
And now there is another mutation we are seeing more and more, especially from the Black Lives Matter crowd: the “Jews and money” trope – except with a twist.
Over a week ago, NBA star LeBron James posted a photo on Instagram with the caption, “Getting that Jewish money.” – a lyric from the 21 Savage rap song “ASMR”. Both James and 21 Savage apologized, claiming it was a compliment to Jews.
Now rapper Meek Mill has joined the chorus.
I am not buying what they are selling for even a second. This seems to be a way for some to let it out about their disdain for “Jews and money”, but with the added bonus of the compliment alibi. Can they possibly not know the (bloody) history of this stereotype?
Some, of course, find it harder to keep it “complimentary”, preferring to keep it real.
Sadly, I felt the need to write this post after my eldest daughter, a fan of hip-hop, asked me what I thought. In her opinion, Meek Miller et al were fans of the Jewish people. Unfortunately, I have age, knowledge, and experience to tell me otherwise.
