3 ms·
I didn't read the author's charge of antisemitism as strictly guilt by association. I think Richler's argument is that the fixation on shadowy global plots thre
by whakim 5y ago
I didn't read the author's charge of antisemitism as strictly guilt by association. I think Richler's argument is that the fixation on shadowy global plots threatening "good old England" both fits into a pattern of 20th century antisemitism (Russia, Germany) and provides a kind of "dog whistle" appeal to the old (antisemitic, xenophobic) aristocracy.
- leephillips 5y agoI agree, but that’s what I meant. Toward the end he comes right out and practically calls the books antisemitic, but his evidence is that they contain plot elements that resemble other, truly antisemitic fantasies, such as global plots to take over the world.
- whakim 5y agoBut knowingly echoing antisemitic tropes is antisemitism - that's why I used the phrase "dog whistle."
- curtainsforus 5y agoTalking about nazi dogwhistling is spreading theories about a conspiracy hidden in plain sight with the goal of destroying the western order, taking over the world, and executing the genocide of several peoples. Thus, you yourself are guilty of antisemetic dogwhistling.
- whakim 5y agoI'm not even sure I understand what you're trying to say.
- becquerel 5y agoHow would a book which knowingly and purposefully used antisemitic elements differ from one that used the same elements by accident? We can't see inside Fleming's head, so all that really matters is the books as they actually exist in the world.
- jasonwatkinspdx 5y agoI think one of the sad things about Idris Ilba not getting to be Bond is, in the hands of a nuanced writing team, they really could have used the character to dig into some of the stuff the aristocracy still has not fully self reflected over.
- curtainsforus 5y agoWhy do you think the aristocracy cares about Bond films? Bond films are trash for proles. Any attacks in an Elba-bond would only cause damage to the proles. That being the reason the aristocracy can, and will when prompted, say "oh yes, it's a stunning and brave work of art"- because it's like chemo, or antibiotics- a mild poison that damages the scum far more than you. The scum likes bond films; when bond films say "England is racist", the scum sours and turns on itself. The human aristocrat breathes a sigh of relief and goes back inside.
- jasonwatkinspdx 5y agoI never said I give a crap what the aristocracy thinks about it, only that it would be a good opportunity for a quality writing team to dig into some real stuff.
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]