laughing Jew | #TranslateHate
laughing Jew
meme \ ˈla-fiŋ ˈjoō \
: an image that portrays Jewish figures as laughing and scheming
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
The “laughing Jew” image has been used in modern history as a way to portray alleged Jewish cunning and deceit. Propaganda posters in Nazi Germany made use of the “laughing Jew” trope, while Adolf Hitler often made reference to conniving Jews in his speeches. In modern times, right-wing politicians have repurposed the “laughing Jew” image, including through popular memes such as the “smirking merchant,” to insinuate Jewish leaders are scheming to create or support policies in their own best interest (see smirking merchant, greed).
This dangerous trope furthers conspiracies about Jews being insular, self-interested, and deceitful (see clannish, conspiracy theory). When used to demonize well-known Jewish leaders, it can perpetuate antisemitism against all Jews (see Jewish figures).
