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

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

If a Jewish person refers to themselves as a Y in the same way a black person refers to themselves as a N that is their right. As a Jew I don’t know anyone who would feel empowered by doing so. For someone who isn’t Jewish or black to use these words is never acceptable. I’m pretty confident that there won’t be many Jewish or black people who would be ok with non Jews or white people calling them by these words.

Jews Don’t Count is a book for people who consider themselves on the right side of history. People fighting the good fight against homophobia, disablism, transphobia and, particularly, racism. People, possibly, like you.
It is the comedian and writer David Baddiel’s contention that one type of racism has been left out of this fight. In his unique combination of close reasoning, polemic, personal experience and jokes, Baddiel argues that those who think of themselves as on the right side of history have often ignored the history of anti-Semitism. He outlines why and how, in a time of intensely heightened awareness of minorities, Jews don’t count as a real minority: and why they should.

Yes from this description of the book I think there are a lot of mumsnet users, celebrities, politicians and general public that should read it

it’s not the same as the n word

It’s exactly the same as the n word.

it’s not the same as the n word

Why?

Is anti-Jewish racism less important?

The book has been out for a few months now. I do strongly encourage you to read it with an open mind.

Wonder I don't need convincing. I agree with him. But I slightly disagree with him on one issue.
That's allowed.

I do have a very open mind thank you.

Great. I’m sure you’ll apply that to the book more than you have to this thread.

Why is the n-word different?

Desperate for a fight when there isn't one

Fucking wow.

That's how you respond to Jewish people, this Jewish person, questioning your desperation to justify the use of a word we deem offensive? Your insistence that it's totally different to the n word?

I'll repeat: goady anti-Semite.

I’m Jewish. I’ve never encountered a conscious sense of anti Semitism toward me. There are people who I haven’t got on with but I don’t think it’s because I’m Jewish!

@TruelyWonder

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.

I highly doubt that black parents would be saying that word.

Unfortunately some teenagers and adults feel they are reclaiming the n word. It is an argument I suppose. However not one that the school or myself consider appropriate.

Communist I resent that and don't agree.

So you say @TruleyWonder.

@C130

So you say *@TruleyWonder*.

You are right you don't need to believe a random of the internet. I would always tell people not to do that anyway.

The reclaiming of the n word idea isn't unusual though. Think about how it has been used by black artists in the music industry or in films. People copy this.

What I found strange in your post was the fact that you said some of the parents as well say this. I am trying to imagine being in the school at home time with parents saying that. And you said secondary school as well. So when are you hearing the parents speak like this? At parent's evening! Anyway I was just commenting because of some posters asking the difference between the n word to the y word. If Jewish people are that saying that word is offensive, then it is offensive.

Well this thread nicely proves DB's exact point, doesn't it?

@C130

What I found strange in your post was the fact that you said some of the parents as well say this. I am trying to imagine being in the school at home time with parents saying that. And you said secondary school as well. So when are you hearing the parents speak like this? At parent's evening! Anyway I was just commenting because of some posters asking the difference between the n word to the y word. If Jewish people are that saying that word is offensive, then it is offensive.

No problem. If the behaviour is escalated to needing contact with the parents. Sometimes it is part of a physical fight or the student is a repeat offender as such. Most the time a quick call to mum or dad sorts this stuff out. However sometimes the parent doesn't see the problem. You get that with other groups as well. Just a bit frustrating really.

@DanglingMod

Well this thread nicely proves DB's exact point, doesn't it?

It definitely does.

Maybe the offending poster is actually David promoting his book 😂😂😂

Genius marketing technique!

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

Of the people most likely to think the word is OK, only 50% actually do. 1 in 4 of the people MOST LIKELY to think it's OK, don't. They think it's offensive. That's like surveying gangster rappers about the N word, finding only 50% say it's OK (and 25% that it is offensive) then going to your local supermarket and saying it.

Of bloody course people on MN will find it offensive. I grew up in South London when it was full of skinheads. I had Jewish friends. I'm not Jewish and it gives me the chills because I remember. Because it wasn't Spurs fans using it, it was neo-Nazis.

I just clicked on this as I’m interested in DB and I just thought ‘how far down am I going to have to read before I see anti-Semitic bullshit?’ My answer - not very.
Us Jews do not like any usage of the Y word thanks v much, whether it’s to do w Spurs or not (and yes, am from the general area where THFC are and I don’t know any fans who’d use that term any more).

Why on earth hasn't the anti-semite been banned @mnhq? Aren't you embarrassed hosting this shit on David's thread?

Why on earth hasn't the anti-semite been banned @mnhq? Aren't you embarrassed hosting this shit on David's thread?

HeyDemons. They should be ashamed as well as embarrassed. The hypocrisy and irony of hosting DB while allowing anti-Semitism on this thread is extremely concerning.