Monday, November 16, 2009

The Jewish Problem

Bruno Bauer introduces a commonly disputed topic in history – the Jewish Problem. The words “liberty, human rights, and emancipation” are often thrown around regarding the Jewish struggle(187). As I’m sure many of us have learned about numerous conflicts in history class pertaining to Jews these words were thrown around. In order to reach a completely unbiased conclusion on this matter I agree with Bauer in saying, we should refrain from using them in our research.

            The problem greatly deals with the criticism of Jews. They are subject to a lot of criticism. Are they deserving of it? Many would say, as we learned in high school world history, that they deserved to follow their religion without persecution or ridicule. This problem has become such a sensitive subject that and minute criticism of the Jewish man results in an “outcry”(187). Are some of these criticisms not legitimate? It is absolutely true that some of these criticisms have been brought upon themselves. In some aspects they may have excluded themselves from society rather than society out casting them. “The will of history is evolution new forms and progress change.(190)” It is quite evident that the Jewish man is opposed to anything that brings him from what he is. We can give them honor for suffering oppression that they brought upon themselves.  But this honor, and opposition against the system has excluded them. The problem Bruno provides for us is that thos who suffered from oppression did so because of their lack of ability to develop within history. Those who migrated to the Americas, or France did not keep their pure identity. Thus, they were successful in their flee from oppression.

            I feel almost uncomfortable talking about this topic because we are all brought up based upon the US Constitution, which grants freedom of religion, voice, etc. Indirectly, most of us choose not to voice and small for of question or ridicule of other’s religion. But Bruno’s argument on his first page is absolutely true. It seems that Jews can target criticisms of Christians without a “human rights” issue being raised while if the opposite happens all hell breaks loose. Right now I want to comment saying that what I am saying is in no way shape or form anti-Semitic, but just rereading my text it is absolutely neutral. For the first time I can confront this subject with which I always feel I am walking on eggshells. The reality of the “Jewish Problem is that both religions have been affected by the other, yet neither could over come the other(197). Christianity was created as a trail of Judaism, while Jewish critiques of Christianity would not have been made possible had it not been for Christian Scholarship. Thus the only way to liberate Jews from oppression is for there to be a free world; one which there is no longer prejudice; that prejudice for which the Jews themselves are responsible.

4 comments:

Samantha Heyman said...

Saad accepts Bauer’s writing entitled, “The Jewish Problem.” I would argue strongly against Saad’s statement and Bauer work. Bauer states, “They [The Jews] were thus themselves to blame for the oppression they suffered…” (189). Bauer’s writing blames both the individuals and the religion. To justify this argument, Bauer reference the Jews as playing an insignificant role in educating Europe (193). Bauer’s weak argument is that there were not many leaders. He even states that “Spinoza was no longer a Jew when he created his system” (193). However, Jews played a significant role in the history and landscape of Europe. Religion does play a central role in social life and history. The Jews were part of the Europe’s history. It would be as if we ignored the roles of the Native Americans and African Americans in our country. Both Bauer and Saad did not recognize Jews and their rights and religious freedoms. Equally important, it is necessary that we recognize how history is shaped by those who struggled.

Kellie Lyver said...

I believe that Jewish people are at the center of many criticisms. They are criticized for how they live their lives and the practices they perform. Even though this is not a morally right action, I also see that these criticisms are blown out of proportion. If one anti-semitic statement is made, people are willing to fine each other. Many people also criticize other religions, other than Judaism, but it seems not much attention is put on these. For example you never really hear of arguments starting over someone criticizing Christianity. Although we never see disputes over Christian views, we are aware that there are people criticizing this religion and putting down its beliefs. Yet when Judaism is criticized it seems to the biggest crime that could be committed. I do not think that Jews should be criticized at all, but it seems these criticisms are extremely blown out of proportion.

Alana Biagioli said...

Julian’s blog is a very controversial and arguable one. You really do have to be careful about what you say pertaining to religions. In Bauer’s work The Jewish Problem, Jews are talked about very distinctively and precise. However, Bauer believes we should almost just leave them out of any stereotypical talk or research in general. In my opinion, I do believe that Jews are brought to our attention more and are criticized more. Christians are criticized and judged half as much as the Jews are on certain issues. I think society, as a whole, needs to re-think their thoughts about Jews and not bring their culture into the spotlight all the time. They, like the Christians, are just a culture and lifestyle.

Alana Biagioli said...

Julian’s blog is a very controversial and arguable one. You really do have to be careful about what you say pertaining to religions. In Bauer’s work The Jewish Problem, Jews are talked about very distinctively and precise. However, Bauer believes we should almost just leave them out of any stereotypical talk or research in general. In my opinion, I do believe that Jews are brought to our attention more and are criticized more. Christians are criticized and judged half as much as the Jews are on certain issues. I think society, as a whole, needs to re-think their thoughts about Jews and not bring their culture into the spotlight all the time. They, like the Christians, are just a culture and lifestyle.