Anti-Semitism and the Hatred of Language: Thoughts for Žižek.

The article examines Slavoj Žižek's essay "Language, Violence and Nonviolence," focusing on his arguments regarding anti-Semitism as a manifestation of broader issues of language and violence. Žižek posits that language, while often seen as a medium for peaceful communication, can also perpetuate vi...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:CR: The New Centennial Review Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 79 - 111
Main Author: Levinson, Brett
Format: Article
Published: Michigan State University Press Spring2024
Subjects:
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary:The article examines Slavoj Žižek's essay "Language, Violence and Nonviolence," focusing on his arguments regarding anti-Semitism as a manifestation of broader issues of language and violence. Žižek posits that language, while often seen as a medium for peaceful communication, can also perpetuate violence by creating divisions between consent and coercion. He argues that anti-Semitism exemplifies this dynamic, as the image of the "Jew" constructed through language influences both the perception of Jews and their self-identity. The article critiques Žižek's conflation of the "real Jew" and the anti-Semitic figure, suggesting that his analysis reveals the complexities and dangers inherent in language and identity, particularly in the context of racism and ideological violence. The discussion highlights the challenges of defining Jewish identity and the implications of language in shaping societal perceptions and prejudices.