Insights Into Things Podcasts

[INTRO THEME]

• [INTRODUCTIONS] (3-5 minutes)
  • Show introduction:
    • Insights Into Tomorrow Episode 22: “No More Yesterdays”
  • Host introductions
    • My informed and concerned co-host Michelle Whalen
      
• [SUMMARY]

• In this episode of Insights Into Tomorrow, we delve into the alarming parallels and stark differences between the nationalism and anti-Semitism of the Nazi era and today’s world. 
• We explore how both periods are marked by ideologies of exclusion and economic turmoil fueling nationalist sentiments, alongside the dangerous tendency of scapegoating minorities. 
• The Nazi regime’s systematic, state-sponsored Antisemitism and its sophisticated propaganda machine present a stark contrast to today’s more decentralized, internet-driven spread of Antisemitic ideology.
  
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[TRANSITION]

[SEGMENT 1 – Introduction (10-15 minutes)]

• The comparison of nationalism and anti-Semitism during the rise of the Nazi party in the first half of the 20th century with today’s political climate reveals some notable similarities as well as significant differences.

• Similarities
  • Ideology of Exclusion:
    • Both eras witness ideologies that define the nation in exclusionary terms. 
    • The Nazi party’s version of nationalism was grounded in racial purity and the exclusion of Jews, among others. 
    • Modern nationalism, while not typically as extreme, often similarly hinges on defining ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’, sometimes marginalizing certain groups.

• Economic Factors:
  • Economic uncertainty played a significant role in the rise of the Nazi party, as it capitalized on the economic woes of post-World War I Germany to gain support. 
  • Today, economic uncertainty, particularly in the wake of globalization and economic crises, also fuels nationalist sentiments.

• Scapegoating: 
  • The Nazi regime notoriously used Jews as a scapegoat for Germany’s problems. 
  • In contemporary politics, while not as extreme or widespread, there is still a tendency in some nationalist narratives to scapegoat immigrants or ethnic minorities for social and economic issues.

• Use of Propaganda: 
  • The Nazis were adept at using propaganda to spread their ideologies. 
  • Today, while the methods have evolved, the use of media and particularly social media to disseminate nationalist and anti-Semitic sentiments echoes this aspect of the past.
  • The rise of the term “fake news” to discredit credible sources that point out the lies and crimes of one political organization over another has threatened to undermine any source of truth

• Differences
  
  • Institutional Framework:
    • The current global institutional framework, including organizations like the United Nations and various human rights conventions, acts as a significant barrier against the rise of extremist ideologies akin to those of the Nazi era.
    • Though even the United Nations has proven time and again to be ineffective against even a mildly concerted effort by a few obstructionist members to undermine the basic principles of its existence.

• Public Awareness and Education:
  • There is a higher level of public awareness and education about the dangers of extreme nationalism and anti-Semitism today, largely as a result of the lessons learned from World War II and the Holocaust.
  • However, with active efforts to distort history, ban books and curricula teaching about the atrocities a culture of denial has arising that threatens even this basic defense against a repeat of the atrocities of the Nazis

• Extent and Nature of Anti-Semitism: 
  • The anti-Semitism of the Nazi era was state-sponsored, systematic, and led to the Holocaust. 
  • Modern anti-Semitism, while a serious concern, typically does not manifest with the same intensity or state-level endorsement.
  • This less intensive approach in itself may actually be more dangerous and it makes the concept of Anti-Semitism more appealing to the less radicalized members of society and thus threatens to make the practice even more wide-spread

• Globalization and Digital Connectivity: 
  • The contemporary world is more interconnected than the 1930s and 1940s. 
  • This globalization and digital connectivity can both fuel nationalist sentiments but also provide means for counter-narratives and global solidarity against extremism.
  • Recent history has shown how easily social media can be manipulated to propagate hate and violence more so than prevent it though.
    

Q&A

• Reflecting on the idea of defining ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ in a country, how do you see this playing out in modern America?
  • Can you identify any groups that are often portrayed as ‘outsiders’ in today’s political or social discussions, and what impact does this have on our society?
    
• In times of economic difficulty, like a recession or job losses, have you noticed a tendency to blame certain groups (like immigrants or minorities) for these problems?
  • Why do you think this happens, and what are the real causes of these economic issues?
    
• How do you think the rise of social media and the concept of ‘fake news’ has affected the way Americans understand and discuss political issues, including topics like nationalism or anti-Semitism?
  • Do you feel that social media helps or hinders in getting accurate information, and why?

[SEGMENT 2: Discussion point one (10-15 minutes)

• The comparison of anti-Semitism in the Nazi era and its manifestation in the contemporary world underscores both a continuity in prejudice and a significant shift in how it is expressed and disseminated.

• Anti-Semitism in the Nazi Era
  
  • State-Sponsored Policies: 
    • The most striking aspect of Nazi-era anti-Semitism was its systematic state sponsorship. 
    • The Nazi regime, under Hitler, embedded anti-Semitic ideology into government policy, which led to the progressive isolation, dehumanization, and eventual mass extermination of Jews in the Holocaust. 
    • This involved legislations like the Nuremberg Laws and the organization of state-sponsored pogroms such as Kristallnacht.
      
  • Propaganda Machine: 
    • The Nazis effectively used state-controlled media, including newspapers, films, and radio broadcasts, to spread anti-Semitic propaganda. 
    • This propaganda was sophisticated and pervasive, shaping public opinion by depicting Jews as the source of Germany’s economic problems and social decay. 
    • This constant bombardment of anti-Semitic messaging was a key tool in desensitizing the German public to the escalating persecution of Jewish people.

• Anti-Semitism in the Contemporary World
  
  • Resurgence in Incidents:
    • In recent times, there has been a noted increase in anti-Semitic incidents globally. 
    • These incidents range from vandalism and hate speech to violent attacks. 
    • Unlike the Nazi era, contemporary anti-Semitism is not typically part of an overt government policy but rather manifests at the level of individual actions and groups, some of which can be classified as extremist or terrorist in nature.

• Role of Digital Platforms:
  • The proliferation of the internet and social media has radically changed the landscape of how anti-Semitic ideologies are spread. 
  • These platforms often serve as echo chambers, where harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories about Jewish people can be circulated rapidly and without traditional filters or controls. 
  • Unlike the centralized, state-controlled propaganda of the Nazi era, modern anti-Semitic rhetoric is more decentralized but can be just as pervasive and insidious in its reach.

• Key Considerations
  • Scale and Intensity: 
    • While contemporary anti-Semitism is a serious concern, its scale and intensity differ from the state-orchestrated, genocidal campaign of the Nazis. 
    • The Holocaust remains a uniquely horrific manifestation of anti-Semitism.

• Global Response: 
  • Today’s world, informed by the lessons of the Holocaust, tends to have stronger institutional and societal responses against anti-Semitism. 
  • Numerous countries have laws criminalizing hate speech and Holocaust denial, and there are global efforts to combat and educate against anti-Semitism.
  • Granted there is also a push in some countries, including the United States to manipulate the education system for political purposes, something anti-Semitism instruction could easily fall victim to

• Challenges of the Digital Age: 
  • The decentralized nature of the internet poses unique challenges in monitoring and countering anti-Semitic content. 
  • Online hate speech can be more elusive and requires nuanced approaches to balance freedom of speech with the need to prevent hate speech and violence.

• While the form and expression of anti-Semitism have evolved from the state-driven, systematic approach of the Nazi era to the more fragmented and decentralized incidents of today, the underlying prejudices and stereotypes remain a concerning continuity.
  • The modern challenge lies in adapting to the changing landscape of communication and the globalized context in which these harmful ideologies persist and spread.

Q&A

• How do you perceive the differences between the state-sponsored anti-Semitism of the Nazi era and the more individual or group-led instances of anti-Semitism in today’s world?
  • Do you think these differences make anti-Semitism less dangerous today, or just different in how it presents itself?
    
• Considering the role of the internet and social media in spreading ideas, how do you think these platforms have influenced the spread of anti-Semitic beliefs and incidents in recent times?
  • Do you believe social media companies should do more to control hate speech, and how might this impact freedom of speech?
    
• Given the historical context of the Holocaust, how important do you think it is to learn about and understand these events in today’s educational system?
  • Do you feel that learning about the Holocaust and other instances of anti-Semitism is relevant to combating prejudice and hate in the current era?

[SEGMENT 3: Discussion Point Two(10-15 minutes)

• Risk of History Repeating?
  
• The question of whether history might repeat itself in the context of rising nationalism and anti-Semitism is both complex and crucial.
  • While there are parallels in rhetoric and sentiment with the 1930s and 1940s, significant changes in the global political landscape and institutional frameworks suggest a different trajectory, albeit not without its own set of risks.

• Changed Global Context
  
  • Institutional Safeguards:
    • Since World War II, the establishment of international institutions like the United Nations and various human rights treaties (such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) has created a global framework aimed at preventing the recurrence of mass atrocities. 
    • These institutions work towards promoting peace, security, and human rights, offering a platform for international cooperation and intervention which was lacking in the pre-World War II era.
    • However, history over the last 30 years has proven that mass atrocities, ethnic cleansings and continued human rights violations still occur all too frequently.

• Human Rights Norms: 
  • There is now a stronger global consensus on human rights norms. 
  • The horrors of the Holocaust were a key catalyst in the formulation of these norms, and they serve as a moral compass that guides international relations and national policies, although adherence varies by country.
  • But, rogue nations and even rogue politicians have proven their ability to avoid prosecution from world courts while still committing violations of basic human rights

• Democratic Resilience: 
  • Many countries have developed more robust democratic structures compared to the early 20th century. 
  • These structures are designed to safeguard against authoritarianism through checks and balances, independent judiciary systems, free press, and regular, fair elections.
  • However, even the bastion for democratic government The United States has proven that it is not immune to wavering from these beliefs with the election of self-serving corrupt politicians more concerned with their own personal vendettas and agendas than what is right for the country or its people
    
• Persisting and Emerging Risks
  
  • Economic and Social Turmoil:
    • Economic uncertainty and rapid social changes remain potent catalysts for nationalist and anti-Semitic sentiments. 
    • Economic recessions, job insecurity, and perceived threats to cultural identity can lead people to seek simplistic solutions and scapegoats, as was seen in the 1930s and 1940s.

• Polarization and Populism:
  • The rise of populist leaders and the increasing political polarization in many countries echo some aspects of the pre-World War II era. 
  • Populist leaders often employ nationalist rhetoric and may flirt with xenophobic and anti-Semitic sentiments to galvanize their base, creating a divided and potentially volatile political landscape.
    

Q&A

• Given the historical context of the rise of nationalism and anti-Semitism in the 1930s and 1940s, how important do you think it is for us to learn from this period?
  • Do you see any lessons from that era that are applicable to understanding and responding to today’s political and social challenges?
    
• Considering the role of international institutions like the United Nations and human rights treaties established post-World War II, how effective do you think these bodies are in preventing mass atrocities and protecting human rights today?
  • Can you think of any recent examples where these institutions have succeeded or failed in these goals?
    
• In light of the fact that many countries now have stronger democratic structures than in the early 20th century, how resilient do you think modern democracies are to the challenges posed by populist leaders and political polarization?
  • Do you believe the current political systems in countries like the United States are equipped to safeguard against authoritarianism and preserve democratic values?

[SEGMENT 4: Discussion point three (10-15 minutes) 

In Conclusion

• Different Contexts: 
  • Today’s world differs significantly from that of the 1930s and 1940s in terms of international cooperation and the general global awareness of the dangers posed by extreme nationalist and racial ideologies. 
  • This awareness acts as a bulwark against the repeat of history on the same scale as the Holocaust.
  • Unfortunately, a select segment of the population seems intent on ignoring history or whitewashing it to their own ends which could threaten any lessons of the past from being forgotten or simply ignored.
    
• Vigilance is Key: 
  • However, the continued presence of nationalist and anti-Semitic sentiments, especially in times of crisis, requires constant vigilance. 
  • History may not repeat itself in the exact same manner, but the underlying human tendencies that led to past atrocities can resurface in new forms.
  • Despite the horrific past that should never be forgotten, prejudice and hatred still remain and dominating influence over many people around the world, a fact we can’t lose sight of
    
• Proactive Measures:
  • To mitigate these risks, proactive measures are necessary. 
  • This includes maintaining strong democratic institutions, promoting inclusive economic policies, and fostering educational programs that highlight the dangers of extreme ideologies.
  • It also means speaking out against those who would seek to see a return of the narrow minded hatred of the past
  • We have only ourselves to blame if we allow another monster to come to power who is more interested in personal gain and punishing those who think or are different than themselves
    
• While the risk of history repeating itself in the exact mold of the 1930s and 1940s is mitigated by various factors, the underlying dangers of nationalism and anti-Semitism, especially in tumultuous times, remain relevant concerns.
  • The lessons from history emphasize the need for constant defense of democratic values and human rights to prevent any slide back into the darkest chapters of human history.

Q&A

• In your opinion, how well do you think our society today understands and remembers the dangers of extreme nationalist and racial ideologies, like those that led to the Holocaust?
  • Do you believe there’s a risk that these historical lessons might be ignored or forgotten, and why?
    
• Given the importance of strong democratic institutions and education in preventing the rise of extreme ideologies, how do you evaluate the current state of democracy and education in the U.S.?
  • Do you think they are robust enough to safeguard against the resurgence of such dangerous ideologies?
    
• Considering society’s apparent emphasis on proactive measures and speaking out against narrow-minded hatred, what do you think is the role of an individual in preventing the rise of extreme ideologies?
  • How can ordinary people contribute to maintaining a society that values diversity and resists the spread of hate?

[OUTRO AND CREDITS]

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00:00:03:18 – 00:01:01:24
Michelle
Insightful podcasts by informative host insights into Things, a podcast network. Welcome to Insights into Tomorrow, where we take a deeper look into how the issues of today will impact the world of tomorrow. From politics and world news to media and technology, we discuss how today’s headlines are becoming tomorrow’s reality.

00:01:01:26 – 00:01:16:04
Joseph
Welcome to Insights into Tomorrow. This is episode 22 No More Yesterday Days. I’m your host, Joseph Whelan, and my Informed and Concern co-host Michelle Williams.

00:01:16:06 – 00:01:17:04
Michelle
Hi, everyone.

00:01:17:10 – 00:01:18:23
Joseph
How are you doing today, sweetheart?

00:01:18:26 – 00:01:20:14
Michelle
Doing okay. How are you?

00:01:20:18 – 00:01:29:16
Joseph
I’m doing wonderful. Anything exciting going on other than flip flop of hosts on the shows recently?

00:01:29:19 – 00:01:34:19
Michelle
No. I think we’re all trying to get into the swing of things, I guess.

00:01:34:23 – 00:01:44:00
Joseph
Indeed. We have kicked off our holiday with Thanksgiving and mad rush up until the end of December. Now.

00:01:44:04 – 00:01:46:12
Michelle
Yeah, Yeah, Now it’s all downhill.

00:01:46:17 – 00:02:36:28
Joseph
Yeah, pretty much. Pretty much so. In this episode of Insight and tomorrow, we delve into the alarming parallels and stark differences between the nationalism and anti-Semitism of the Nazi era. In today’s world, we explore how both periods are marked by ideologies of exclusion and economic turmoil, fueling nationalist sentiments alongside the dangerous tendency of scapegoating minorities. The Nazi regime’s systematic, state sponsored anti-Semitism and its sophisticated propaganda machine present a stark contrast to today’s more decent, racialized, Internet driven spread of anti-Semitic ideology.

00:02:37:00 – 00:02:59:23
Joseph
And I thought this was kind of poignant, because we have and we have have for several years now in the United States, one entire political movement that focuses on the past. You know, this whole idea of Make America Great Again, but they never tell you when they’re referring to.

00:03:00:00 – 00:03:00:21
Michelle
Right.

00:03:00:24 – 00:03:33:14
Joseph
And and the time that they’re referring to goes back to some of these darker days during a time period of exclusion of civil rights not being a priority of individual rights, not being a priority. And the people that want to go back to that time are the ones who were in power and advantaged at that time. And that was a very small number of people at the time.

00:03:33:16 – 00:04:07:07
Joseph
Mm hmm. So the fact that you have a large segment of the population pushing for that now and completely ignoring the parallels that they’re shooting for now compared to what happened in the 1930s and forties with the rise of other nationalist movements, Socialism and fascism is disturbing. And that’s why I titled this podcast podcast No More Yesterday’s. You know, we don’t want to go back.

00:04:07:12 – 00:04:51:10
Joseph
We’ve over the last hundred years, we as a country, we as a civilization and the human race in general have evolved considerably in that time. And there’s a segment of the population who desperately wants to drag us back to those dark time. So we’re going to take a look at some of the comparisons on that and offer some insights and and side by side looks at what it was like then, what it is today and and hopefully have enough wisdom to not go down that dark path again.

00:04:51:12 – 00:05:18:21
Joseph
But before we do that, though, I want to take a moment to remind our listening and viewing audience, too, if you don’t already do so, subscribe to the podcast. You can find audio versions of this podcast listed as insights into tomorrow. You can also find audio and video versions of all the network’s podcasts listed as insights and the things pretty much anywhere you can get a podcast these days.

00:05:18:24 – 00:05:42:21
Joseph
I would also invite you to write in, give us your feedback, disagree with us, tell them, tell me your point of view. You can email us at comments and insights into things dot com. You can find us on X at insights, underscore things or you can find links to all those and more on our official website at WW dot insights into things dot com.

00:05:42:22 – 00:05:45:10
Joseph
Shall we get going oh let’s.

00:05:45:12 – 00:05:48:10
Michelle
The fun begins.

00:05:48:12 – 00:05:56:07
Joseph
Here we go.

00:05:56:10 – 00:06:27:08
Joseph
The comparison of nationalism and anti-Semitism during the rise of the Nazi Party in the first half of the 20th century with today’s political climate reveals some notable similarities as well as significant differences. From a similarity standpoint, you have an ideology of exclusion. Both errors witness ideologies that define the nation in exclusionary terms, which is really contrary to what this country was ever built on.

00:06:27:10 – 00:07:03:18
Joseph
The Nazi Party’s version of nationalism was grounded in racial purity and the exclusion of Jews, among others. Despite the fact that there’s Jewish ancestry on Hitler’s side and Hitler wasn’t even German to begin with. So purity, modern nationalism was not typically as extreme. Often similarly hinges on defining insiders and outsiders, sometimes marginalizing certain groups. There’s also significant similarities in economic factors.

00:07:03:20 – 00:07:24:17
Joseph
Economic uncertainty played a significant role in the rise of the Nazi Party as a capital ISE on the economic woes of post-World War One Germany to gain support. Today, the economic uncertainty, particularly in the wake of globalization and economic crises, also fuels nationalist sentiments.

00:07:24:19 – 00:07:57:18
Michelle
So now we’ll talk about scapegoating. So the Nazi regime notoriously used Jews as a scapegoat for Germany’s problems in contemporary politics. While not as extreme or widespread. There is still a tendency in some nationalist narratives to scapegoat immigrants or ethnic minorities for social and economic issues. The use of propaganda. The Nazis were adept at using propaganda to spread their ideologies.

00:07:57:18 – 00:08:29:23
Michelle
And today, while the methods have evolved, the use of social media sorry, the use of media and particularly social media to dismantle nationalist and anti Semitic sentiments echoes this aspect of the past. The rise of the term fake news to discredit credible sources that point out the lies and crimes of one political organization over another has threatened to undermined any source of truth.

00:08:29:25 – 00:09:09:05
Joseph
So while there’s a number of similarities, there’s also differences. So the first one we look at is the institutional framework. The current global institutional framework, including organizations like the United Nations and various human rights conventions, acts as a significant barrier against the rise of extremist ideologies akin to those of the Nazi era. So even though the United Nations has proven time and again to be ineffective against even mildly concerted efforts by a few obstructionist members to undermine the basic principles of its existence.

00:09:09:08 – 00:09:31:05
Joseph
The other is public awareness and education. Again, you would think by now we would have a better understanding of these things. Having lived through it once. There is a higher level of public awareness and education about the dangers of extreme nationalism and anti-Semitism. Today, largely as a result of the lessons learned from World War Two and the Holocaust.

00:09:31:06 – 00:09:50:11
Joseph
However, with active efforts to distort history, banned books and curricula, teaching about the atrocities and culture of denial has arised that threatens the basic defense against a repeat of the atrocities of the Nazis.

00:09:50:13 – 00:10:31:00
Michelle
Then there’s the extent and nature of antisemitism. The antisemitism of the Nazi era was state sponsored, systematic and led to the Holocaust. Modern antisemitism, while a serious concern, typically does not manifest with the same intensity or state level endorsement. This less intensive approach in and of itself may actually be more dangerous, and it makes the concept of antisemitism more appealing to the less radicalized members of society and thus threatens to make the practice even more widespread.

00:10:31:02 – 00:11:12:10
Michelle
Globalization and digital connectivity. So now we have the contemporary world, which, you know, is more interconnected, interconnected now than it was in the 1930s and the 1940s. This globalization and digital connectivity can both fuel national nationalist sentiments, but also provide means for counter-narratives and global solidarity against extremism. So recent SIS history has shown how easily social media can be manipulated to propagate hate and violence more so than prevent it through throughout.

00:11:12:12 – 00:11:34:09
Joseph
So just on what we talked about here. Do you think the technological advantages of communication these today makes it more or less likelihood for something like this nationalist movement to propagate or or be defended against?

00:11:34:11 – 00:12:04:22
Michelle
Honestly, I would have to say kind of a little bit of both. It’s definitely easier for the word to get out for this propaganda to be to be spread. You have so many people that as soon as they see a post about something, a tweet about something, you know, a picture about something, they forward it to everybody that they know without even checking to see if it’s factual.

00:12:04:24 – 00:12:34:18
Michelle
But then on the other hand, you have real time news, real time events that are happening that people are being informed about. Pretty much right as it happens, as opposed to back in the day where it could be weeks before somebody heard about something, months before somebody heard something, hours before. Now, it’s almost instantaneous that the other side of things is getting out there.

00:12:34:18 – 00:12:38:26
Michelle
So I think it’s it’s a little bit of a little bit of both with it.

00:12:39:00 – 00:13:10:02
Joseph
What about the the level of anonymity that you could have starting a movement on the Internet now where you’re insulated? You don’t have to put yourself out there, you know? When you had the Nazis were starting their movements, they were going out, putting themselves in public beer halls and riling up the the people directly and exposing themselves at that point in time to prosecution and persecution and stuff like that.

00:13:10:05 – 00:13:19:12
Joseph
Do you think it’s more likely that you’ll get we’ll call them rabble rousers when they can hide behind the anonymity of a Twitter or something like that?

00:13:19:15 – 00:13:48:18
Michelle
Oh, absolutely. Because now and you see that just in general with the trolls that are out there that, you know, somebody posts a picture of Dolly Parton from this past past few days ago, she performed a halftime show and all these trolls came out or she wasn’t really singing. She was lip synching and, you know, and just big.

00:13:48:20 – 00:14:11:14
Michelle
And is that something where they would have actually ever said that to her face? Probably not. They wouldn’t never have done that. But now, because you can hide behind it and you don’t have that fear of persecution, and especially now, there are so many things out there where before if you commented or posted something, it would have your name.

00:14:11:14 – 00:14:38:14
Michelle
And granted, most people would change their usernames and things like that. Now there’s so many areas to to post or comment where you can do it. Anonymous. Asli now they’ve, they’ve added that feature so now it gives you oh well now I can be more of a rabble rouser you know, and, and go out there and say what I have to say and nobody will ever find out that it’s, that it’s me.

00:14:38:16 – 00:15:23:06
Joseph
That’s a very good point. So how do you think the rise of social media and the concept of fake news has affected the way Americans understand and discuss political issues, including topics like nationalism and antisemitism? Can can people have a logical, civilized discussion? Or, you know, we’re seeing extremism on both sides and just because one side says one thing, you know, you’re going to have one side that finds a cure for cancer or finds a magical pill that solves world hunger and creates world peace all at one time and the other side would oppose it because just because the opposition came out was right.

00:15:23:11 – 00:15:24:16
Michelle
Right.

00:15:24:18 – 00:15:28:06
Joseph
What are your thoughts on that?

00:15:28:08 – 00:16:11:08
Michelle
It’s it’s tough because especially now with what is going on in current events as of today, you know, with the events of ten seven that are still fresh, you have hostages that are, you know, just starting to be released almost, you know, 50 days later. And there are people obviously on both sides and it’s it’s very hard to to have that sit down with, you know, with somebody that’s so passionate.

00:16:11:11 – 00:16:48:19
Michelle
You almost need to find somebody who’s I don’t want to say sensible, but, you know, because everybody is passionate about their stance, no matter which stance they take. But sometimes times when you’re so passionate about something, you can’t even allow the other side to even educate you. On how they feel, you know, Why do you feel the way you feel?

00:16:48:19 – 00:17:14:02
Michelle
What has been done to you, You know, and but you need to hear me as well. And that’s, I think, the problem that when you get into these situations, the person that’s, you know, from from both sides, they’re just so passionate. They don’t even have that moment to just let me sit back and take it in.

00:17:14:08 – 00:17:43:11
Joseph
There’s an overall lack of objectivity. Passions run that high, right? And when when you lack the ability to be objective. You also can’t make a logical, objective argument for your point of view. Right. And I think that’s the problem. Like, if somebody questions if you feel passionate about something, that’s wonderful. Mm hmm. And if somebody questions you about that, you should be passionate enough.

00:17:43:15 – 00:17:53:04
Joseph
But knowledgeable enough to defend your point of view. Right. And when you when you resort to insults, which is usually the first direction that it goes.

00:17:53:07 – 00:17:53:24
Michelle
Right.

00:17:53:27 – 00:18:21:25
Joseph
It’s. It’s first they start to insult you, and then they attack your position without providing any support for their own position. And when you go to those tactics, you’ve you you gonna lose all your credibility at that point. Right. Right. And that’s I think what we tend to run into. So we’re gonna take a quick break and when we come back, we’re going to dig in a little bit deeper into some of the anti-Semitism of the Nazi era.

00:18:21:26 – 00:19:02:18
Joseph
We’ll be right back. For over seven years, the Second City empire has been the premier community guild in the online game, Star Wars, the Old Republic with hundreds of friendly and helpful active members, a weekly schedule of nightly events. Annual guild meet and greets and an active community both on the web and on Discord. The Second Civ Empire is more than your typical gaming group.

00:19:02:21 – 00:19:34:06
Joseph
We’re family. Join us on the Star Forge server for nightly events such as Operations, Flashpoints, World Boss Funds, Star Wars, Trivia Guild, Lottery and much more. Visit us on the web today at WW W the second civ and fire dot com.

00:19:34:08 – 00:20:10:08
Michelle
And we’re back. So the comparison of anti-Semitism in the Nazi era and its manifestation in the contemporary world underscores both continuity. Continuity through continuity sorry, in prejudice and a significant shift in how it is expressed and dismantled. So antisemitism in the Nazi era, you had state sponsored policies and the most striking aspect of Nazi era antisemitism was its systematic state sponsorship.

00:20:10:10 – 00:20:48:06
Michelle
The Nazi regime under Hitler embedded anti Semitic ideology into government policy, which led to the progressive isolation Dhume annexation and eventual mass extermination of Jews in the Holocaust. This involved legislation legislation like the Nuremberg laws and the Organization of State sponsored pogroms such as Crystal Mark, which actually had their 85th, I believe. Now, trying to remember how many I think it was 85 years.

00:20:48:07 – 00:21:23:02
Michelle
They recently it was the anniversary of crystal lock. Actually, not not that long ago. So then we also have the propaganda machine. The Nazis effectively used state controlled media, including newspaper films and radio broadcasts, to spread this anti-Semitic propaganda. This propaganda was sophisticated and persuasive shaping public opinion by depicting Jews as the source of Germany’s economic problems and social decay.

00:21:23:04 – 00:21:35:17
Michelle
This constant bombardment of anti-Semitic messaging was a key tool in desensitizing the German public to the escalating persecution of the Jewish people.

00:21:35:20 – 00:22:03:16
Joseph
And I think that’s really the key there is the desensitization, because I think you’re running into that now contemporary wise. So anti-Semitic ism in the contemporary world is a little bit different, but certainly still present. There’s a resurgence in incidents in recent times. There’s been a noted increase in anti-Semitic incidents globally. These incidents range from vandalism and hate speech to violent attacks.

00:22:03:18 – 00:22:34:29
Joseph
Unlike the Nazi era, contemporary anti-Semitism is not typically part of an overt government policy, but rather manifests at the level of individual actions and groups, some of which can be classified as extremist or terrorist in nature. You also have the role of digital platforms today, which we already talked about briefly. The proliferation of the Internet and social media has radically changed the landscape of how antisemitic ideologies are spread.

00:22:35:02 – 00:23:02:06
Joseph
These platforms often serve as echo chambers, where harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories about Jewish people can be circulated rapidly and without traditional filters or controls. Unlike the centralized, state controlled propaganda of the Nazi era, modern antisemitic rhetoric is more decentralized but can be just as pervasive and insidious in its reach.

00:23:02:08 – 00:23:42:29
Michelle
So some key considerations. So you have the scale and intensity. While contemporary anti-Semitism is a serious concern, its scale and intensity differ from state orchestrated genocidal campaigns of the Nazis. The Holocaust remains a uniquely horrific manifestation of anti-Semitism. The global Response. So today’s world informed by the lessons of the Holocaust, tends to have stronger institutional and social societal responses against anti Semitism.

00:23:43:01 – 00:24:14:02
Michelle
Numerous countries have laws criminalizing hate speech and Holocaust denial, and there are global efforts to combat and educate against antisemitism. Granted, there is also a push in some countries, including the United States, to manipulate the education system for political purpose, something anti-Semitism instruction could easily fail to fall victim to. Then we also have the challenges of the digital age.

00:24:14:04 – 00:24:37:00
Michelle
The decentralized nature of the Internet poses unique challenges in monitoring in and countering anti-Semitic content. Online hate speech can be more elusive and requires nuanced approach to balance freedom of speech with the need to prevent hate speech and violence.

00:24:37:02 – 00:25:13:02
Joseph
While the form and expression of antisemitism have evolved from the state driven, systematic approach of the Nazi era to the more fragmented and decentralized incidents of today, the underlying prejudices and stereotypes remain a concerning continuity. The modern challenge lies in adapting the changing landscape of human communication and globalization in which these harmful ideologies persist and spread. So clearly there are differences between today’s antisemitic deism and the Nazi era.

00:25:13:05 – 00:25:43:18
Joseph
One of the concerns that I have is what you’re seeing today is more toned down in that it’s not the same level of state sponsored hatred that you were getting during the Nazis, which makes it more appealing to a larger group of people who would have been less inclined to support it. Some of the policies of the Nazis.

00:25:43:20 – 00:26:06:03
Joseph
But it still strikes a note with the prejudices that they have where they might not want to take Jews and put them in concentration camps. But we’re not going to let Jews have jobs in this sector or we’re not going to let them live in this neighborhood, or we’re going to, you know, do the various violent things that we see now.

00:26:06:06 – 00:26:17:12
Joseph
And it makes it almost more palatable to a larger group of people because you’re not catering to that, that extremist group. What are your thoughts on that?

00:26:17:14 – 00:26:52:25
Michelle
Well, unfortunately, again, right now with what’s going on there, is the violence going on. There are people that are out there that it’s not the Holocaust. It’s not let’s put you in a concentration camp. It’s let’s just kill the Jews. Like that’s what is so scary is there are people who in almost every country right now, people that are being attacked only because they are Jewish.

00:26:52:25 – 00:27:13:19
Michelle
You have a woman in France who somebody a group of people broke into her house and beat her up and almost left her for dead, only because she was Jewish. So, unfortunately, I’m you know, from what I’m seeing, it’s almost worse in a way.

00:27:13:22 – 00:27:17:11
Joseph
That’s my point. That’s exactly the point is it’s close.

00:27:17:11 – 00:27:24:01
Michelle
It’s not It’s it’s not. Let’s gather you up and put you someplace. It’s we’re just going to take care of you right now.

00:27:24:02 – 00:27:30:03
Joseph
Right. But it’s done almost on a on an individual basis.

00:27:30:04 – 00:27:35:02
Michelle
Yes. It’s there’s nobody saying we’re the Nazis.

00:27:35:02 – 00:27:40:02
Joseph
Right. You don’t need to have that presence.

00:27:40:05 – 00:27:43:21
Michelle
Right. I just hate Jews. So I’m going and attacking you.

00:27:43:22 – 00:27:45:06
Joseph
Right. And that’s my point.

00:27:45:11 – 00:27:46:09
Michelle
Is that because.

00:27:46:09 – 00:27:47:18
Joseph
It’s being done?

00:27:47:18 – 00:27:48:17
Michelle
Yes. Okay.

00:27:48:21 – 00:27:54:00
Joseph
Less from a government policy standpoint and more from a grassroots standpoint.

00:27:54:05 – 00:27:54:18
Michelle
Right.

00:27:54:18 – 00:28:02:13
Joseph
It brings more of those hatred filled people into the mix. Right. To take action that they wouldn’t normally have taken right there.

00:28:02:15 – 00:28:31:22
Michelle
There are people who who would normally use Uber for rides or to get food, who have gone in and changed their profile so that they don’t have a Jewish sounding name. So or if they’re going and getting a ride, don’t put in their actual home address. They’re going to blocks away to pick up a ride because they don’t know who’s coming to pick them up.

00:28:31:24 – 00:28:55:11
Joseph
And this is very similar to the 1970s when you had the various terrorist organizations that were anti Jew, that were going out there and kidnaping people and hijacking planes. And when people would travel, they would travel with dual passports and they would present, you know, a passport from another country, not from Israel. Mm hmm. Or they’d remove. Mm hmm.

00:28:55:13 – 00:29:11:10
Joseph
You know, jewelry that they had on that would signify their faith and stuff like that. Yep. Where they they were forced to hide their faith just to not be targets and were were back into that situation again. And this is just the 1970s that that this.

00:29:11:12 – 00:29:50:01
Michelle
That right there. Just this past weekend the New York City one of the New York City libraries, was defaced with anti-Semitic rhetoric. You know, that’s New York City. This you know, and if any city is a melting pot, you would think it wouldn’t be happening there where you expect small town, whatever. That maybe has only two Jewish people in the town, if any, that that would be the place where you’d have this this huge outpour of anti-Semitic.

00:29:50:02 – 00:30:04:19
Michelle
But New York City like that just it just boggles my mind and just makes me sad and angry and mad and and everything else that that’s what’s out there.

00:30:04:20 – 00:30:24:02
Joseph
So one of the things that we’ve certainly seen over the last five years, six years, has been this this push in schools to change curriculum. Mm hmm. That that I don’t want to say it alters history, but it certainly downplays certain they.

00:30:24:02 – 00:30:27:01
Michelle
Want nice history. Right. You know.

00:30:27:03 – 00:30:40:09
Joseph
Given the historical context of the Holocaust, how important do you think it is to learn about and understand these events in today’s education system? And do you think it’s happening?

00:30:40:11 – 00:31:13:00
Michelle
Well, I know in our school system, it it was it has been they’ve done various things. I know she read The Diary of Anne Frank, and that was a very big push to to learning it. And even younger than that, there were little hints of it. So I think it’s you know, it should be age appropriate. But I think just with any other history lesson, it’s something that needs to to be taught.

00:31:13:07 – 00:31:42:25
Michelle
But I think it also is the same thing for Japanese-Americans with the internment camps. None of that. When I was in school was ever taught. You know, that was something that was kind of glossed over. So I don’t want to say, yes, it should be just the Holocaust. No, I think we need to go back and learn all of these things that the country has done to its own people or other countries have done to to their own people.

00:31:43:02 – 00:32:09:09
Michelle
Because if you forget it and you don’t teach it, you’re going to relive it. And that’s always been something you know, I’ve known about the Holocaust since I was very young, going to Hebrew school, and that’s where I learned it. I learned it in Hebrew school. I didn’t learn it in in school until high school. I think that was really the first time we ever talked about it.

00:32:09:11 – 00:32:33:22
Michelle
But I had already known all about it. I was I don’t want to say I was desensitized to it, but I knew about it. So I was I just. Okay. Well, and I even remember being excused from one of the classes because I already knew the teacher didn’t want to bore me with anything or upset me. So if you want to go to the library, feel free.

00:32:33:23 – 00:32:38:08
Michelle
Okay? Sure. I’ll go. Go.

00:32:38:11 – 00:33:17:18
Michelle
But that’s just always been something. Like I said, we’ve always been taught as a Jewish people, we have to keep talking about it. We have to keep teaching about it because the minute we stop, it’s going to happen again. And that’s where I think so many people right now with everything that’s going on, we feel like if we don’t speak up and say something that we’re kind of going down that road again to to being put, you know, into a concentration camp, you know, how scary is it that people are posting on Facebook?

00:33:17:21 – 00:33:33:18
Michelle
If something happens, will you hide me? And that people are responding to it, that people or that people feel the need that they have to even put that out there because they’re in such fear of their life?

00:33:33:25 – 00:33:34:20
Joseph
Yeah.

00:33:34:23 – 00:33:47:19
Michelle
Like, that’s that’s no way for anybody to live, no matter what religion or background or, you know, race you are to to have that fiercely.

00:33:47:21 – 00:34:09:08
Joseph
That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to talk about on the show today, because it is getting to that point. It’s getting to the point where we’re really threatening to go back down that path again and with the coming election. And, you know, one of the major candidates in this election, it’s a significant threat and the things that are being said by this candidate now.

00:34:09:11 – 00:34:10:11
Michelle
Yeah.

00:34:10:14 – 00:34:29:19
Joseph
Tell you that that’s the kind of world that he wants to live in. Mm hmm. Where he’s the one that’s in charge. He’s the guy that’s. That’s picking and choosing who goes to the camp and who doesn’t. Mm hmm. Doesn’t. So we’ll take another break. And when we come back, we’re going to take a look at the real risk of history repeating itself.

00:34:29:20 – 00:34:38:27
Joseph
We’ll be right back.

00:34:39:00 – 00:35:10:28
Michelle
Insights into entertainment, a podcast series taking a deeper look into entertainment and media. Our husband and wife team of pop culture fanatics are exploring all things from music and movies to the location and fandom. We’ll look at the interesting and obscure entertainment news of the week. We’ll talk about theme park and pop culture news. We’ll give you the latest results and go to theme parks anymore.

00:35:11:01 – 00:35:41:26
Michelle
We’ll give you a deep dive into Disney, Star Wars and much more. It’s check out our video episodes at YouTube.com that she gets emotional at every time she does our audio episodes at podcast Insights into entertainment dot com or check us out on the web at. Insights into things of shit.

00:35:41:29 – 00:36:16:06
Joseph
So what is the risk of history repeating itself? So the question of whether history might repeat itself in, the context of rising nationalism and anti-Semitism is both complex and crucial. While there are parallels in rhetoric and sentiment with the 1930s and forties, significant changes in the global political landscape and institutional frameworks suggest a different trajectory, albeit not without its own set of risks.

00:36:16:08 – 00:36:52:10
Joseph
So what are the institutional safeguards? Well, since World War Two, the establishment of international institutions like the U.N. and various human rights treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has created a global framework aimed at preventing the reoccurrence of mass atrocities. These institutions work towards promoting peace, security and human rights, offering a platform for international cooperation and intervention which was lacking in the free world or to error.

00:36:52:13 – 00:37:05:14
Joseph
However, history over the last 30 years has proven that mass atrocities, ethnic cleansings and continued human rights violations still occur all too frequently.

00:37:05:16 – 00:37:44:20
Michelle
So what about the human rights norms? So there is now a stronger global consensus on human rights norms. The horrors of the Holocaust were a key catalyst in the formation of these norms, and they serve as a moral compass that guides international relations and national policies. Although adherence varies by country, but rogue nations and even rogue politicians have proven their ability to avoid prosecution from world courts while still committing violations of basic human rights.

00:37:44:22 – 00:38:40:25
Michelle
Then we have the democratic resilience. So many countries have developed more robust democratic structures compared to the early 20th century. These structures are designed to safeguard against authoritarian authoritarianism through checks and balances, independent judicial, free press and regular fair elections. How even, however, even the bastion for demographic government, the United States has proven that it is not immune to wavering these beliefs, wavering from these beliefs with the election of self serving corrupt politicians more concerned with their own personal vendettas and agendas than, what is right for the country as its people?

00:38:40:26 – 00:38:47:17
Michelle
I have no idea who you were talking about with that. I just can’t put my finger on it.

00:38:47:20 – 00:39:26:28
Joseph
So despite those ups and some downs, there are still persistent and emerging risks economic and social turmoil, for instance. Economic uncertainty and rapid social changes remain potent catalysts for nationalist and anti-Semitic sentiments. Economic recessions, job insecurity and perceived threats to cultural identity can lead people to seek simplistic solutions and scapegoat. As we’ve seen in the 1930s and forties, which really is perfect, that accuse the bureau march of that time.

00:39:27:00 – 00:39:27:15
Michelle
Cycle.

00:39:27:20 – 00:40:02:24
Joseph
Is not done in post for or Star Wars game is now playing the Imperial march. We get to that point. Polarization and populism, the rise of populist leaders and the increased political polarization in many countries echo some aspects of the pre-World War two error. Populist leaders often employ nationalistic rhetoric and may flirt with xenophobic and anti-Semitic sentiments to galvanize their base, creating a divided and potentially volatile political landscape.

00:40:02:27 – 00:40:40:07
Joseph
So one of the things that Hitler did and did very well as a politician was tune in the people’s hate, and he used hate as a motivator. And there were politicians today, not just in the United States, but primarily in the United States I’m referring to, who do exactly the same thing. They can pinpoint exactly what people want to hate or what their prone date, and then just open up a can of it form and use that to lead them around.

00:40:40:07 – 00:41:12:05
Joseph
And then all of a sudden you have this rabid group of literally mindless followers that will do anything for you if you feed that hatred. They’ll even try and overthrow the most successful democracy in the history of the human race, all because you’re teaching them to hate. What are your thoughts on that? What do you how dangerous do you think that is that the human mind can be that susceptible to that kind of transparent manipulation?

00:41:12:06 – 00:41:53:02
Michelle
I think it’s very scary. And and that’s is is just looking at the past few years, how much more that it’s become acceptable for that to happen and that there aren’t more people out there going, what are you nuts? That’s not where that’s what just kind of blows my mind. And these educate sighted people that are just letting it happen, that aren’t coming out and saying, No, no, no, don’t do that.

00:41:53:03 – 00:42:20:09
Michelle
That’s wrong, because you still have these people saying, No, come this way. This is the right way. We’re the right people. Everything’s been stolen from you. We’re going to give it back to you. But yet they haven’t done anything to make it better for those other people. And some of them have woken up, but a lot of them are still drinking the Kool-Aid, I think.

00:42:20:10 – 00:42:54:16
Michelle
And and it almost. There are days when it kind of makes you wonder, maybe I should just drink the Kool-Aid. Maybe, Maybe Bender. No. And I and I get it. And and and that’s where almost it almost makes you wonder, am I the crazy one? Maybe I’m not. In reality, everybody else is in the reality. Like, how can people let this happen and everybody think it’s okay and nobody standing up to these people.

00:42:54:18 – 00:43:04:17
Michelle
It just makes you think, Oh, well, then it must be me. It’s nobody else’s is standing up for them or nobody else thinks this is wrong.

00:43:04:19 – 00:43:26:15
Joseph
Well, it’s funny you put it that way because it reminds me of an old Three Stooges skit, and it’s, you know, a take off on on Nazis and Hitler and stuff. And, you know, Moe declares himself a dictator, and one of the other stooges says, well, what’s a dictator says, Well, dictator. He promises the people everything, gives them nothing than takes it all.

00:43:26:18 – 00:43:41:08
Joseph
And that’s exactly what our politicians try to do on a regular basis to us. Yeah. And this was, you know, a social commentary by comedians 80 years ago. Right. And we still haven’t learned from it.

00:43:41:12 – 00:43:42:09
Michelle
Hmm. Right.

00:43:42:12 – 00:43:46:21
Joseph
What is wrong with society? Right. Society allows us to keep happening.

00:43:46:22 – 00:44:13:00
Michelle
Right. And granted, yes, there is good in the world. There are people out there who are trying to make a difference. But it just seems like you always knew there were still Nazis around. Yeah, they never went away. They were just kind of quiet. They were just kind of, you know, in the background. You knew when you traveled certain places.

00:44:13:07 – 00:44:36:29
Michelle
Okay, we’re going to bypass this area. You know, we’re not going to go here if we’re of a certain color or a certain race or if we look a certain way because of whatever we’re now, it’s it’s out in the open. They’re not ashamed at all to fly a flag.

00:44:37:01 – 00:44:37:14
Joseph
And that’s.

00:44:37:14 – 00:44:38:04
Michelle
Promoting it.

00:44:38:12 – 00:44:43:19
Joseph
You make a very good point. They’re not ashamed. There was a mark of shame to be a Nazi.

00:44:43:21 – 00:44:44:11
Michelle
Hmm.

00:44:44:13 – 00:44:53:09
Joseph
And society wouldn’t allow them to see the light of day. Right. So anything that they did had to be back room stuff away from.

00:44:53:12 – 00:45:02:13
Michelle
So you had a pin. You had it, you know, under your lapel. And, you know, if you met somebody who you thought maybe. Right, you know. Oh, okay.

00:45:02:13 – 00:45:06:19
Joseph
And then it was the Hal Hydra type stuff, right? You know.

00:45:06:21 – 00:45:07:06
Michelle
Right.

00:45:07:08 – 00:45:18:07
Joseph
But now, somehow in the last ten years, society has been dragged into the gutter to allow these people to see the light of day.

00:45:18:09 – 00:45:18:25
Michelle
You go.

00:45:18:25 – 00:45:19:23
Joseph
To the flourished.

00:45:19:23 – 00:45:34:18
Michelle
Disney World and outside of Disney, outside of the gates of Disney World, you would have protesters walking around with big giant banners, with swastikas all over them.

00:45:34:20 – 00:45:46:16
Joseph
And and it’s because society normalized it. Mm hmm. And yeah. And not all of society. Certain segments of society you had for years in this country that normalized it.

00:45:46:17 – 00:45:47:17
Michelle
Right.

00:45:47:20 – 00:45:57:07
Joseph
You had for years in this country when they were Nazis, neo-Nazis referred to as decent people. Right. That’s what normalized them. Right. That’s why we’re here today.

00:45:57:08 – 00:45:57:22
Michelle
Mm hmm.

00:45:57:25 – 00:45:59:09
Joseph
Yep. And it has to stop.

00:45:59:15 – 00:46:00:08
Michelle
Absolutely.

00:46:00:09 – 00:46:21:03
Joseph
We have to not let history repeat itself. Mm hmm. We’re going to take our last break. We’ll come back and then we’ll wrap up. We’ll be right back.

00:46:21:06 – 00:46:42:00
Michelle
Insights into Teens, a podcast series exploring the issues and challenges of today’s youth. Talking to real teens about real teen problems. Explore issues from races to puberty. Social anxiety to financial responsibility.

00:46:42:02 – 00:47:15:10
Michelle
Each week we talk about the topics concerning today’s youth. We look at how the issues affect teens, how to cope with these issues, and how parents, friends and loved ones can help teens handle these challenges. Check out our video episodes on YouTube.com backslash insights into things. Catch our audio versions on podcast. Insights into Teens XCOM or on the web at Insights into Things.

00:47:15:10 – 00:47:59:14
Michelle
XCOM. And we are back. So in conclusion, we’re going to talk about some different contexts. So today’s worlds differs significantly from that of the 1930s and 1940s in terms of international cooperation and the general global awareness of the dangers posed by extreme nationalist and racial ideologies. So this awareness acts as a bullhorn. Okay, sure. Against the repeat of history on the same scale as the Holocaust.

00:47:59:16 – 00:48:49:23
Michelle
Unfortunately, a select segment of the population who seems intent on ignoring history or whitewashing it to their own ends, which could threaten any lesson from the past, from being forgotten or simply ignored. Vigilance is definitely the key. However, the continued presence of nationalist and anti-Semitic sentiments, especially in times of crisis, requires constant vigilance. History may not repeat itself in the exact same manner, but the underlining human tendencies that Lee led to the past atrocity atrocities can resurface this in new forms, despite the horrific past that should never be forgotten.

00:48:49:27 – 00:49:00:04
Michelle
Prejudice and hatred still remain and dominating influence over many people around the world, a fact that we can’t lose sight of.

00:49:00:07 – 00:49:39:01
Joseph
So there are certain proactive measures that we can take to mitigate these risks. Proactive measures are necessary. This includes maintaining strong democratic institutions, promoting inclusive economic policies, and fostering educational programs that highlight the dangers of extreme ideologies. And I just want to take a quick aside about promoting democratic institutions. We have to not allow people who operate outside of the norms of a democratic institution from holding power.

00:49:39:03 – 00:50:16:14
Joseph
You cannot allow someone who refuse used to follow the laws and who tried to literally overthrow the country into a leadership position again. You cannot allow that person in the leadership. You cannot allow anyone who supported them or backed them or even send sympathy to them during that time period. You have an individual who literally tried to overthrow the country and he’s running for the same office again and somehow he’s allowed to.

00:50:16:16 – 00:50:20:05
Joseph
That’s a disgrace to everything that is democratic in nature.

00:50:20:05 – 00:50:22:14
Michelle
While having how many indictments?

00:50:22:15 – 00:50:24:13
Joseph
72, I think he’s up to.

00:50:24:15 – 00:50:25:09
Michelle
I’ve lost count.

00:50:25:10 – 00:50:41:05
Joseph
Twice impeached. We as a people need to do better and can do better than that. Of all the possible candidates that are out there. Why is he up? Is the question.

00:50:41:06 – 00:50:42:24
Michelle
Right.

00:50:42:27 – 00:51:04:05
Joseph
It also means speaking out against those who would seek a return of the narrow minded hatred of the past. Much like we tried to do on this show, we have only ourselves to blame if we allow another monster to come to power who is more interested in personal gain and punishing those who think or are different than themselves.

00:51:04:07 – 00:51:36:19
Joseph
While the risk of history repeating itself in the exact mold of the 1930s and forties is mitigated by various factors, the underlying dangers of nationalism and anti-Semitism, especially in tumultuous times like now, remain relevant. Concerns. The lessons from history emphasized the need for constant defense of democratic values and human rights to prevent any slide back into the darkest chapters of human history.

00:51:36:21 – 00:51:55:21
Joseph
So in your opinion, how well do you think our society today understands and remembers the dangers of extreme nationalist, radical racial ideologies like those that led to the Holocaust?

00:51:55:24 – 00:52:25:12
Michelle
I don’t know, because we’re kind of going through a lot of that again with the the the recent events. I don’t think there’s you know, enough people realize what they’re doing is what started everything the first time around.

00:52:25:15 – 00:52:45:11
Joseph
So, all right. Let me ask you this. Given society’s apparent emphasis on proactive measures and speaking out against narrow minded hatred, what do you think is the role of an individual in today’s society in preventing the rise of extreme ideologies? What can the average person do?

00:52:45:13 – 00:53:54:27
Michelle
Try and get yourself informed. Go out there and be a support person. Be an ally for, you know, someone that’s being marginalized. Learn both sides of the story to to be informed because there are truths to both sides and and that’s with everything you know thinking about about thinking back to when COVID first happened and what are then you know, president the China virus and just saying that how much hatred there was and bigotry that was going on for Asian people, people that were being beat up in the street, that were just walking in the street, weren’t doing anything wrong, and people were just going up and beating up on them because of this virus

00:53:54:27 – 00:54:32:06
Michelle
that came from China. They had nothing to do with it. And it’s and that’s what we’re seeing now with this anti-Semitism. And and, you know, you look at the the the different protests that you have and the different marches you have the the pro-Israeli and the pro-Palestine, and you can see this, you know, the the total difference between night and day one is peaceful and one is not.

00:54:32:08 – 00:54:47:06
Michelle
There’s no I haven’t seen and I’m sure there are some pro-Palestinian marches that are peaceful. But all the ones that, again, you know, the media has been showing or that you see are all violent.

00:54:47:07 – 00:54:52:18
Joseph
There’s well, and, you know, if I want to play devil’s advocate, I would say that’s the fake media.

00:54:52:18 – 00:54:53:16
Michelle
That’s true.

00:54:53:16 – 00:54:55:05
Joseph
Trying to dictate the narrative.

00:54:55:07 – 00:55:11:18
Michelle
I’m sure it is. But yet you’re still seeing all of this hatred for Israelis, for Jewish people. And the thing is, not every Israeli is Jewish. And that’s and.

00:55:11:19 – 00:55:13:13
Joseph
Not every Jewish person is Israeli.

00:55:13:15 – 00:55:50:06
Michelle
Right. So that’s where people are kind of like, oh, you know, most there’s a good portion of Jewish people that can blend in with the white folk. We are not white. We just happen to be, you know, depending on where, you know, we went from Israel. Where are, you know, ancestors ended up and who we mixed with or stayed with, determined what we kind of look like.

00:55:50:09 – 00:56:03:02
Michelle
But with with Jews, we’re all different shades. We’re all different colors. So some of us aren’t able to be spotted, I guess.

00:56:03:04 – 00:56:20:25
Joseph
Well, and I think really what it boils down to is the methodology of riling people up with hatred. Mm hmm. It’s like. It’s like taking a little finger to a wind up to anger. To anger. Just twisting that hatred wheel inside there and winding up, setting it down and is.

00:56:20:25 – 00:56:21:09
Michelle
Just going to.

00:56:21:09 – 00:56:46:27
Joseph
Go. And it just goes you don’t know. You have no control. You have no idea where it’s going. Yeah, but the chaos that it creates. Mm hmm. Is what these people that are creating the hatred are looking for, because that’s what drives their agenda. Mm hmm. So if you’ve got somebody out there who’s trying to get you to hate something or someone or to be violent or to protest or whatever.

00:56:47:00 – 00:57:00:00
Joseph
Think about it. Mm hmm. Think about who it is that they want you to target. And think about how that person is asking you to do. That is going to benefit from it. Mm hmm. Because if they’re going to benefit from it more than you are, you’re just a pawn at that point.

00:57:00:00 – 00:57:00:17
Michelle
Mm hmm.

00:57:00:19 – 00:57:24:08
Joseph
Think for yourself. Go out. There is fake news. Mm hmm. News organizations are driven by reading. Mm hmm. They put the stuff out there that gets in the most ratings and gets them the most money. Don’t be afraid to go out there and site your news. Four, three, four, five, six different news organizations out there. If you take the time to educate yourself, you’ll figure out you’re smart enough.

00:57:24:09 – 00:57:35:25
Joseph
I have faith in the people out there, the American people and human beings in general. If you wade through enough of that news, you’ll figure out what the truth is.

00:57:35:27 – 00:57:36:15
Michelle
Mm hmm.

00:57:36:18 – 00:58:06:06
Joseph
And when you get to the point where you figured out what the truth is, you’ll realize how big you’ve been manipulated and how these people in power are the ones that are that are basically getting you to do their dirty work for them. So educate yourself. There’s no substitute for education. And I think that’s really the bottom line here is the only way to combat hatred and anti-Semitism and all nationalism is just a method of control.

00:58:06:09 – 00:58:30:29
Joseph
The only way to combat any of these manipulative practices is to educate yourselves. And that’s where the Internet comes into play. You have so many opportunities today to educate yourself. Be smart about it. Don’t be intellectually lazy. Don’t take your news from one source, whether it’s Fox News or CNN or whoever. Don’t take any single source of news on face value.

00:58:31:01 – 00:58:40:21
Joseph
Go out and do a little research. That’s what we do. We put these shows together. I think that’s it. Do we have anything else we want to talk about?

00:58:40:23 – 00:58:42:00
Michelle
I think I’m good.

00:58:42:02 – 00:59:07:15
Joseph
All right. Before we do go, though, I want to take one more opportunity to invite you to subscribe to the podcast. You can find audio versions of this podcast listed as insights into tomorrow. You can find video and audio versions of all the network’s podcasts listed as insights into things. And we’re anywhere you get a podcast Apple, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, etc..

00:59:07:17 – 00:59:29:14
Joseph
I would also write in This is a great opportunity to write in with your hate mail and tell us how much you disagree with this or how much you agree with us. You can implicit comments and insights into things that come we we’re on X and insights underscore things. We also stream five days a week on Twitch, Twitch TV slash insights into things.

00:59:29:16 – 00:59:39:09
Joseph
We can get links to all those and more on our web site at WW w dot insights in the things that come that’s it and within the books.

00:59:39:11 – 01:00:04:04
Michelle
Bye bye everyone.

01:00:04:07 – 01:00:04:10
Michelle
My.