• grue@lemmy.world
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    2 years ago

    Is there a reason you’re so salty about this particular fairly old shift in language? Do tell why.

    In a pre-WWII European context (where the only relevant Semites were Jews), letting the meaning shift was one thing.

    In this Middle Eastern context (with two relevant groups of Semites), it’s entirely different: it’s an attempt to “other” and dehumanize Arabs by denying their shared Semitic heritage and instead claiming it exclusively for Jews. It’s a fundamentally dishonest definition that facilitates DARVO tactics.

    • TrickDacy@lemmy.world
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      2 years ago

      it’s an attempt to “other” and dehumanize Arabs

      So using a term the way it’s been used for decades is suddenly malicious if we change contexts.

      No, I’m not buying that at all.