I had a similar encounter many years ago at a work conference. I was talking to a colleague who used the term Jew-them-down. I knew responding publicly at that moment would impact and be focus of the 3 day conference. I didn’t want to make it public but I could not let him get away with what he said
So I waited until Monday morning when we were back at work, went to his office and closed the door. I reminded him of the comment he made at the conference and told him it was antisemitic. He said he didn’t realize it was and would be careful in the future. We’ve been friends ever since. We are both retired and get together for lunch now and then.
You can take a stand with anti-semites and say your say. Does it change them? No. But it will make you feel better for having said what you believe needed to be said. Saying nothing will perhaps make you feel a bit of a coward for remaining silent. Comfort yourself by telling yourself that they will not change so it was not worth speaking up. Essentially, then, do what feels right for you at any given instance when you confront an outspoken anti-semite.
Thank you for your honesty about your Eurovision encounter. Calling people out on their bigoted and racist remarks - antisemitism, sexual orientation, color of skin etc. - is something that takes courage and the right timing and the right words - it should be educational and not prompt altercation/violence. Most of all it puts us in a place of knowing we did the right thing for a people.
I had a similar encounter many years ago at a work conference. I was talking to a colleague who used the term Jew-them-down. I knew responding publicly at that moment would impact and be focus of the 3 day conference. I didn’t want to make it public but I could not let him get away with what he said
So I waited until Monday morning when we were back at work, went to his office and closed the door. I reminded him of the comment he made at the conference and told him it was antisemitic. He said he didn’t realize it was and would be careful in the future. We’ve been friends ever since. We are both retired and get together for lunch now and then.
I've heard similar stories like this! I'm glad you said something. Thanks for sharing :)
You can take a stand with anti-semites and say your say. Does it change them? No. But it will make you feel better for having said what you believe needed to be said. Saying nothing will perhaps make you feel a bit of a coward for remaining silent. Comfort yourself by telling yourself that they will not change so it was not worth speaking up. Essentially, then, do what feels right for you at any given instance when you confront an outspoken anti-semite.
Thank you for your honesty about your Eurovision encounter. Calling people out on their bigoted and racist remarks - antisemitism, sexual orientation, color of skin etc. - is something that takes courage and the right timing and the right words - it should be educational and not prompt altercation/violence. Most of all it puts us in a place of knowing we did the right thing for a people.