Racial antisemitism

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Bundesarchiv Bild 119-04-29-38, Ausstellung "Der ewige Jude"

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Nuremberg laws Racial Chart

Racial antisemitism is a form of antisemitism that is based on the belief that Jews are a distinct and inferior race compared to other races. This ideology emerged in the late 19th century, combining the long-standing hatred of Jews, based on religious and economic reasons, with contemporary racial theories. Racial antisemitism played a significant role in the history of the 20th century, most notably as a central ideology of Nazi Germany.

Origins and Development

The concept of racial antisemitism took root in the 19th century, a time when racial science was gaining popularity. Figures such as Joseph Arthur de Gobineau and Houston Stewart Chamberlain contributed to the development of racial theories that categorized humans into hierarchies of races, often placing the Aryan or Indo-European peoples at the top. Jews were depicted as a degenerate race, inherently different and threatening to the purity and success of the "superior" races.

Nazi Ideology and the Holocaust

The most infamous application of racial antisemitism was in Nazi Germany, where it became state ideology. Led by Adolf Hitler, the Nazi regime propagated the belief that Jews were not only inferior but also a dangerous threat to the Aryan race. This ideology was used to justify the Holocaust, the systematic murder of six million Jews, along with millions of others deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime. The Holocaust remains one of the most brutal examples of racial antisemitism and its deadly consequences.

Contemporary Issues

In the contemporary world, racial antisemitism has not disappeared. It manifests in various forms, including in the rhetoric of certain white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups. These groups continue to spread hateful ideologies, often blending traditional antisemitic tropes with modern conspiracy theories. The fight against racial antisemitism is ongoing, with governments, non-profit organizations, and individuals working to combat hate and promote understanding and tolerance.

See Also

• History of antisemitism
• Racism
• Xenophobia

External Links

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