gaslighting | #TranslateHate
gaslighting
theme \ ˈgas-lī-tiŋ \
: manipulating someone using psychological methods to cause one to question one’s own beliefs
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
Gaslighting happens to Jews when they are told that what they have experienced was not antisemitism. In many instances, those who gaslight Jews claim they are expressing a political opinion, rather than a bigotry. Gaslighting can also present as telling Jews that they cannot experience intolerance or bigotry because they are “powerful” and “privileged”; in fact, such labels often result from antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jews. Jews should be believed when they say they experience antisemitism, just like any other minority group.
Anti-Zionists have also gaslit Jews, many of whom have experienced the connection between antisemitism and the delegitimization and demonization of the State of Israel, by calling them “oppressors.” These actions take a nefarious turn by making the victim of antisemitism into a perpetrator.
Finally, Jews have been gaslit when only non-Jewish voices are asked to speak about antisemitism and/or Jewish identity.
