Jewish ethnocentrism

The terms Judeocentrism, Semitism or Shemitism, Jewish ethnocentrism (Judeo-centric, etc.) are political neologisms used by those who view Zionism as Jewish or Zionist ethnocentrism. It refers to an allegation that Jews consider their cultural traditions and values to be superior to all others.

Neologisms?

According to the 1977 Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, the term semitism was first coined in 1885 to mean "Jewish ideas or influence in politics or society". However, semitism can also refer to so-called "Semitic languages" or "Semitic peoples", as well as philo-Semitism, so it is an ambiguous term.

Jewish Ethnocentrism

There is no debate that ethnocentrism exists to a greater or lesser degree in most cultures, including within Judaism. Although a few people believe that Jews are vastly more ethnocentric than other groups, to the extent of believing in a worldwide Zionist conspiracy, this article will focus on the mainstream view of Jewish ethnocentrism.

The term Judeocentrism is used to criticise journalism and historical research which is perceived as focusing excessively on Jews, or portraying other cultures from a narrowly Jewish perspective. For example, Ian Hancock accuses the US Holocaust Memorial Council "underestimating and underrepresenting" the death of Roma and Sinti (Gypsies) during the Holocaust, and says that "a very blind eye is being turned in the direction of Gypsy history".

External Links

Jewish responses to the Romani holocaust (http://www.chgs.umn.edu/Histories--Narratives--Documen/Roma---Sinti--Gypsies-/Jewish-Responses-to-the-Porraj/jewish-responses-to-the-porraj.html)