It's true that labeling supporters of the genocide "Zionists" is simplistic. But it works on the ground. Maybe there's a better term for it, but I don't know what that is. Historically, yes, there were early Zionists and labor Zionists and socialist Zionists. But they're gone now. In practical terms, all Israeli politics is right-wing now, and in practical terms, a Zionist is someone who supports the expansionist ethno-state and its genocide.
Labels are complicated and slippery, but I would also demur on the notion that "anti-Zionistism" is "a stone's throw from anti-semitism," -- because in the ranks of anti-Israeli-genocide activism, in my experience, nobody conflates "Zionists" with all Jews. Quite the contrary. And I've been called an antisemite enough, and seen enough instrumentalization of that label, that my antennae go up when I come across that implication.
Also, nobody applies the term "apartheid" to what's going on in Gaza now. It was used for the IDF's iron grip on the West Bank. But that has turned into full-on ethnic cleansing, so the term "apartheid" is, to me, irrelevant now in that context.
"Zionism" may work on the ground. But it also rhymes closely with "Jew," especially in the Arab world, and probably the Global South in general. I commend you on your choice of friends. But they're not the only ones who use that word.
Nice piece, with appropriate nuance! But let me try to further nuance your definition of Zionism. I'm an alter kocker. I was raised to think that Israel was designed as a bolt-hole for people like me when the antisemites took over America: a call option, rather than a moral imperative. (I thought I would never want such an option; my Mom knew better. Neither of us suspected that Israel would become what it is.) The way I was raised, the only mandatory obligation toward Israel was that of an open checkbook.
("The Christian Zionists afford pro-Israeli forces more leverage on U.S. politics. In return they get nothing.")
I don't know about that. They get to pose as champions of an oppressed minority, one which doesn't even share their religious beliefs, so how can you call them racists or fascists? Most people outside of the cult might scoff at this, but it's still good publicity on net.
It's true that labeling supporters of the genocide "Zionists" is simplistic. But it works on the ground. Maybe there's a better term for it, but I don't know what that is. Historically, yes, there were early Zionists and labor Zionists and socialist Zionists. But they're gone now. In practical terms, all Israeli politics is right-wing now, and in practical terms, a Zionist is someone who supports the expansionist ethno-state and its genocide.
Labels are complicated and slippery, but I would also demur on the notion that "anti-Zionistism" is "a stone's throw from anti-semitism," -- because in the ranks of anti-Israeli-genocide activism, in my experience, nobody conflates "Zionists" with all Jews. Quite the contrary. And I've been called an antisemite enough, and seen enough instrumentalization of that label, that my antennae go up when I come across that implication.
Also, nobody applies the term "apartheid" to what's going on in Gaza now. It was used for the IDF's iron grip on the West Bank. But that has turned into full-on ethnic cleansing, so the term "apartheid" is, to me, irrelevant now in that context.
"Zionism" may work on the ground. But it also rhymes closely with "Jew," especially in the Arab world, and probably the Global South in general. I commend you on your choice of friends. But they're not the only ones who use that word.
These days
Calling others actions
genocide is ineffective
It's like
attempting
A punch in the face
That proves to be only
an arm exercise
That face moves on and on and on
Nice piece, with appropriate nuance! But let me try to further nuance your definition of Zionism. I'm an alter kocker. I was raised to think that Israel was designed as a bolt-hole for people like me when the antisemites took over America: a call option, rather than a moral imperative. (I thought I would never want such an option; my Mom knew better. Neither of us suspected that Israel would become what it is.) The way I was raised, the only mandatory obligation toward Israel was that of an open checkbook.
Is that Zionism according to Max? Zionism-lite?
("The Christian Zionists afford pro-Israeli forces more leverage on U.S. politics. In return they get nothing.")
I don't know about that. They get to pose as champions of an oppressed minority, one which doesn't even share their religious beliefs, so how can you call them racists or fascists? Most people outside of the cult might scoff at this, but it's still good publicity on net.
Moral rage:
The black hole in the head
Where
the highest form
of bourgeois liberalism
Bursts its buttons
Where the charitable hu ape
transforms itself
body and mind
involuntarily
Into a werewolf
And blames its actions
( post atrocity)
On the moon