Zoomchat with David Baddiel about new book 'Jews Don't Count'

[JuliaMumsnet]

Hello

We’re delighted to announce a Mumsnet Zoomchat with critically acclaimed comedian, author of children's and adult's books, screenwriter and TV presenter David Baddiel.

If you'd like to hear from one of the UK's most successful comedians, discuss how anti-Semitism manifests in progressive politics, argue about the merits of the 4-4-2 formation, or just shout 'that's your mum that is', now’s your chance to grab one of our free places.

We’ll be particularly focusing on David’s recent short book which looks at how (in the words of the dust jacket) 'identity politics has failed one particular identity... those who think of themselves as on the right side of history have often ignored the history of anti-Semitism'.

David will be chatting with Mumsnet HQ and answering your questions on Wednesday 28 April at 8pm, and you can book your place now by registering here.

Please note 1 If you join the Zoom chat, your camera will be turned off by default. Your screen name may be visible if we ask you to read your question out ‘live’, so consider whether you’re happy to use your RL name or want to use your MN posting name, or something else entirely.

Please note 2 We can only take questions from Zoomchat attendees on the night - please don’t use this thread to ask questions in advance as we can’t promise we’ll be able to put them forwards.

Register for free (only 100 places are available) here

Thanks
MNHQ

@CommunistLegoBloc

I am prepared to have a sensible discussion about it. If you are willing.

This is such gaslighting. Of course, the silly unsensible Jews on this thread just don't want to have a discussion with me about my right to offend them! I'm the reasonable one here!

Agree

Definitely gaslighting

Someone on another thread is defending the wearing of a yellow star at the protest yesterday. Saying it may be Jewish people wearing it. Like that would make it ok to use for that purpose

The Auschwitz Memorial blasted the anti-vaxx activists.

"Instrumentalization of the tragedy of Jews who suffered, were humiliated, marked with a yellow star, and finally isolated in ghettos and murdered during the Holocaust, in order to argue against vaccination that saves human lives is a sad symptom of moral and intellectual decline," the museum wrote.

Thing our man David has it right

This one is horrendous

It is a discussion.
How are you can argue that it's not is laughable.

It's not the same as any of your comparisons to the word n.

The word is divisive. I am well aware. I have read how posters on this thread dont and I accept that. and respect that. I've also read his article DB does not like it and I respect that as well.

But. The discussion is that some people are not offended by it.

I don't defend the recent yellow star at protest.

Some people are not offended by the n word. What is your point?

It’s exactly the same as the n word. If you’re white you can’t use the n word and say it’s ok because you’re using it in a positive way and ‘reclaiming’ it. Black people can choose to do that. White people have no right to do that. If you’re not Jewish you don’t have the right to use the y word and say it’s ok because you’re using it in a positive way and ‘reclaiming’ it. Jewish people can choose to do that. Non Jewish people have no right to do that.

it's not the same as any of your comparisons to the word n.

Why not?

I have worked in secondary schools for years. Have on numerous occasions had to ask black children or their parents to stop using the n word. As other black people are getting upset.

It's not the same as the n word.
Communist stated it was "is offensive".
As if that's a fact.

When you look it up dictionary wise, it says it's not. But some find it so. And it can be used offensively. So there clearly different views on it.

It is not usually considered offensive, though some may deem the word offensive nonetheless.

@Oblomov21

It's not the same as the n word. Communist stated it was "is offensive". As if that's a fact.

When you look it up dictionary wise, it says it's not. But some find it so. And it can be used offensively. So there clearly different views on it.

If you say so🤓

Every Jew on this thread has said it's offensive. Why won't you listen to us?

This is obviously your misinterpretation of what the oxford dictionary is say. They did update the dictionary but are not saying the word isn't still offensive. Just included the football usage.

"Oxford Dictionary updates racist slur to include Spurs fans

The word 'Yid', long used as a slur against Jews, now has an updated meaning - supporter/player for Tottenham Hotspur, a nod to the club's Jewish fans."

What do you want me to say?

You are saying that every Jew on this thread has told me that they find offensive. I recognise that. I have aknowledged that. I haven't use the word again.

As I have stated I know that some people find offensive. But many people do not. Fact. It's split.

many prominent Jews have said that they do not. Many have said they do.

Club members were surveyed and 50% said no. But 25% said yes, so that's not good. But it's not clear, obviously. EhAt decisions were made post this.

And a word was added in the dictionary, last year. March 20. That's recent. Post DB's original article /video.

But this all focuses on football. We could discuss other areas.

My interest in broad.

But why are you still here arguing about it? If you recognise that Jews don't like the word and feel quite traumatised by its use due to anti-Semitic attacks they've experienced etc, why are you trying to turn this into some sort of intellectual debate? Like we owe you that?

Why not just step away, stop using the word, and stop trying to make marginalised groups argue with you because of your 'broad' 'interest'? Like this is some sort of thought exercise for you, rather than people's real lives and hurt. Can you see how you're coming across?

@Oblomov21

What do you want me to say?

You are saying that every Jew on this thread has told me that they find offensive. I recognise that. I have aknowledged that. I haven't use the word again.

As I have stated I know that some people find offensive. But many people do not. Fact. It's split.

many prominent Jews have said that they do not. Many have said they do.

Club members were surveyed and 50% said no. But 25% said yes, so that's not good. But it's not clear, obviously. EhAt decisions were made post this.

And a word was added in the dictionary, last year. March 20. That's recent. Post DB's original article /video.

But this all focuses on football. We could discuss other areas.

My interest in broad.

Sorry you are just a blatant attention seeking wind up merchant. Everything has been explained to you before. Go back and reread everyones posts.

@TruelyWonder I agree. Just a goady anti-Semite dressing their posts up as healthy discussion, when discussion isn't required. So insidious.

Clearly badly.

DB is very bright. Comes from a dysfunctional family, he has said. He's written a new book. Here to promote it. I haven't read it yet. That's ok. I'm allowed to be here and ask. It's new. That's why he's here to promote it. Not everyone will have read it yet. That's what he's trying to activate.

There are loads of interesting things we could ask DB, about his new book. And loads of other aspects.

But I still maintain my original question. his new book. Is a very serious issue. Unlike his previous books funny and children's books etc. And many have praised it. Some criticisms. Re a lack of research. Does he now think he should have done more research with hindsight? Or he thinks the criticisms are unfair.

Authors get criticised. I visited HC to see the tulips the other day and then was just browsing as saw a very heavy criticism of Lucy Worsley who is curator and Henry VIII specialist.

I'm sure/know that DB is clever enough to retort and give his opinions on criticism.

Insidious.
Oh dear.

Glad this is funny to you.

I'm not going to waste any more time on someone who clearly wants to antagonise Jewish MN users for fun or as some sort of intellectual exercise.

written a new book. Here to promote it. I haven't read it yet

You really need to read that book.

I will read it. I haven't yet. It's new. That's why he's here to promote.