> Uh, excuse me, Steve (and Ben) while I leap to Joltin' Jeremy's > defense here. The discussion of Campbell's alleged anti-semitism > >had< wandered into theology, since it was Campbell's hostility to the > Judaeo-Christian theological and mythological traditions that gave > rise to the views at issue. In any case, anti-Semitism and the > media--your subject, I gather, Steve--is precisely what Jeremy wanted > to nudge that increasingly sterile discussion toward. This list is, > after all, about film and TV, right? So great, let's go to it; I'd > like to hear more about your dissertation. But it is outrageously, > inexcusably unfair to suggest--as you do--that our faithful list-founder > "condones" hatred of Jews because he wants to remind us that SCREEN-L > is here so that we can explore the relationship of this and other > important subjects to (you guessed it) >film and TV<. Yes, it is > necessary to discuss racism and anti-Semitism (and many other things) > in "a variety of contexts." This particular context happens to > be the media, OK? And if, now and then, in the heat of discussion, > we ignore or forget that context altogether, it's perfectly proper and > helpful for Jeremy, or anyone else, to point out that out. > > ***Patrick*** The discussion of anti-Semitism has persisted because of a few postings that demonstrate a misunderstanding of what anti-Semitism is. Anti-Semitic accusations are not to be taken lightly, simply because the accuser is dead. A discussion of anti-Semitism is not equivalent to a discussion of religious theology. The representation of Jews in film and television does not encompass the issue of anti-Semitism and the media. Patrick, if you want to have a discussion about anti-Semitism in the context of the media, you have to be able to understand what anti-Semitism is independent of the media. Not every posting has demonstrated that understanding. I appreciate and understand Jeremy's desire to keep this list on track, and did not mean to imply that he condones anti-Semitism by doing so. As a Jew, however, I must again stress the importance of treating this topic seriously when it comes up. For better or worse, much of the discussion on anti-Semitism has been to explain why sensitivity and understanding of the issue is necessary. Perhaps we can ground this discussion more within the context of the media when I and others do not have to respond to vociferous postings like the one above. Media and other institutions tend to trivialize issues of anti-Semitism and racism by telling people those issues aren't important or appropriate. I hope this is not the case with SCREEN-L.