Why Zionists and the anti-semitic Far-Right joined forces | Ghassan Hage | The Big Picture S4E5
Is Europe ‘nostalgic for a racist past’ when it didn’t have to apologise for its colonialism?
In this week’s episode of The Big Picture, we sit down with renowned Australian anthropologist Ghassan Hage.
Hage is currently fighting against the prestigious Max Planck Society in Germany over accusations of ‘antisemitism’ over his critiques of Israel.
This week, Germany’s government had to defend its ongoing military support for Israel’s war in Gaza after a legal case was filed at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Nicaragua, who accused Germany of “facilitating the commission of genocide”.
We go in-depth and speak about Germany, antisemitism and the end of liberal Europe.
Hage was invited to a placement at a Max Planck institute last year, but soon became the target of attacks by right-wing media in Germany, who lobbied the Max Planck directors to fire him. They did.
Despite being married to a Jewish refugee whose father fled Mussolini, and building a career in creating dialogue, Hage was denied a chance to defend the accusations.
Now he’s fighting back, and says his case is part of a wider trend in Germany and many western nations who are using ‘antisemitism’ as a cover to keep immigrants under control.
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Timeline:
0:00 - Intro
01:45 - Hage's legal battle with Max Planck Society
06:20 - Germany's crackdown on Pro-Palestine activism
11:50 - Hage targeted by German media attacks and termination experience
17:30 - Hage responds to the antisemitism accusation
22:15 - Accusations of antisemitism used to suppress immigrants
28:40 - Europe's shift to nationalism and xenophobia.
34:05 - Europe's nostalgia for its colonial past
39:20 - Max Planck Society's institutional betrayal
44:15 - Dialogue and empathy crucial for societal issues.
49:30 - Conclusions
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So courageous professor Ghassan Hage, so deep analysis. Thank you and thank you, Mohammad and MEE!
Antisemitism is this magical word made of lightning and herbs and crystals. It very powerful and seems to encompass everything and can be used to destroy Palestinians and the reputations and careers of people who don't like genocide. Not believing the IDF is antisemtism; believing your lying eyes is antisemitism; complaining about Palestinian starvation is antisemitism; begging for a ceasefire is antisemitism; suggesting that Israel stop shooting reporters and aid workers is antisemitism. Writing this comment is antisemitism.
Same as white supremacy
Well said!
The concept has been abused and twisted, but that doesn't mean it's not a real thing that exists
@@DavidWilliams-by2ne all the more reason to use it properly
An excellent and respectful interview. Thank you both. It is fantastic, courageous and generous of Prof Ghassan Hage to take on these despicable people who strive to twist everything and make life unnecessarily miserable for so many.
Absolutely
When asked what he thought of Western civilization Gandhi said "I think it would be a good idea". Still applies today and Ghassan Hage is fighting his dismissal from Max Planck as part of the struggle to change the West into what it currently and historically only pretends to be
Thank you for this quote. I agree with it and am ashamed of our colonial mentality and the political and intelectual "elites" still justifying even pushing for it. It is obnoxious, unfair, racist, wrong, dangerous....everything. Is man doomed?
E
Not if we become we, rather than us and them, men, women..children-so called adults, civilized and 'uncivilized, educated and 'uneducated' etc.@@romanahowe67
What a load of tosh .There is no ultimate freedom, it's always relative.
Gandhi was a true hero. To all Indians here in South Africa, and to our non-Indian brothers and sisters, he is a hero. It makes sense why India still tries to trarnish his legacy - because they want to gain power from the eviI West, and their current fasscist government is good at persuading the masses.
I rally liked the show both the interviewing and the guest , he was so honest and very brave. Very encouraging, made me learn more about racism how it works psychologically ❤️🇨🇦
As long as he focuses on German racism and not Canadian racism, Canadians will love him
I totally acknowledge “Canadian racism “ what’s your intention in saying that?
@bjolie78 I recognize “Canadian racism “ what is your intention with that comment?
Agreed
Much Gratitude to Ghassan Hage, and well wishes for his impending legal pursuit! His insights afford a concentrated, layered analysis on origin, practice and the historiography of the dynamics of the ideological & material structure of anglo-saxon, white supremacy as practiced in europe and anglo-saxon settler colonialist outposts. His founded point of view is above reproach on the elaborate and exacting consequences of anglo-saxon, white supremacist ideology, its material and psychological subterfuge on humanity, life and the planet and the exacting real costs on those designated>Un-Desirables/ The Un-Selected. As is evident in our current state of Decay, the fatal fallacy of Racism, Permanent Wars, Genocide, Permanent Crisis, Crisis Capitalism, Mass Trauma, by a Hyper Violent, Racist, Patriarchal, Revenge Pathology exacted by us-anglo-saxon-zionist hegemony, tyrannizing sovereign states & civilian populations across the world with Absolute Impunity. And crucially, Without An Actionable STOP Mechanism Effecting Their Crimes Against Humanity or War Crimes- including Genocide, and Especially in Palestine, the OFF BUTTON has not been found. Professor Hage also contextualizes an often undistinguished nuance touching upon daily life, which is relegated to a subtext within the inverted hegemonic system, in spite of its political, cultural and societal calibration, the ubiquitous, invisible, Apartheid fence experienced by the Un-Selected. Furthermore, the Un-Selected are situated for exponential, technocratic Fascism/Apartheid, which is colonizing the digital spheres of reality into ETHICS FREE ZONES, without any recognizable shreds of Accountability to be found, is their idea of futurism for the good people of this world. To Refuse, to Dissent, to Disallow them to continue to operate and agitate within the void Standard of Agreed Decency, their bottomless pits of Depravity, is to withdraw our CONSENT at minimum, and the duty of All Freedom and Peace Loving People Everywhere. Furthermore, the Response has to be ETHICS centered, Knowledgeable Of The Cause and Effects of The Past's Failures which produced such HORRORS. Refrórmatting Societal, Political & Business Agreement Templates, Is crucial for a Peaceful Present and Future. A civil society response focused on radical acts of Empathy for those negatively effected is appropriate and necessary. As are civil society Truth Commissions , Justice through reformed International Law courts , Restoration & Reparations, should be considerable components of a New Beginning. F R E E P A L E S T I N E ! ! ! F R E E T H E W O R L D ! ! ! 🕊 💚
Thanks for your extensive comments! I agree 💯! This is why Palestine is such a core issue as it crystallises what exists internationally: apartheid and exclusion of the Unselected and if they resist, the punishment is devastating, intended as dissuasion. Truly dystopian 😢
Intelligently and beautifully put, thankyou from Australia, where the wisdom of culture in full ecosystem befitting this place continues over 50,000+years. This must inform survival of peace and environmental security.
"First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to both of you for conducting an exceptional and respectful interview. It is truly remarkable to see an individual like Professor Ghassan Hage, who is not afraid to stand up against those who seek to distort facts and make life unnecessarily difficult for others. Through his courage and generosity, Professor Hage has become an inspiration to many, and his efforts to challenge the status quo are an excellent example of what it means to be a true leader. As Gandhi once said, 'I think it would be a good idea' for Western civilization to live up to its potential, and Professor Hage's fight against his dismissal from Max Planck is a vital part of this ongoing struggle. His unwavering commitment to this cause is truly admirable, and it is evident that he is making a significant impact on the world. By challenging the system and speaking out against injustice, Professor Hage is showing us all what it means to be a responsible global citizen. We can only hope that his example will inspire more people to follow in his footsteps and join the fight for a better world. With people like Professor Hage leading the way, we can be confident that positive change is on the horizon."
Fascinating discussion. Particularly...1) the discussion of White wistful longing for a more entrenched societal racial hierarchy...2) the discussion of violence...or the desire for violence...as a metric for one's sense of security - particularly as relates to the lack of rigidity in racial hierarchy...3) the blurring of lines between those areas where democracy/civil rights are assumed to prevail and those spaces where it is assumed not to...4) finally, the scenario painted with the bank teller. These situations are frustrating for both their regularity and the casual way they are dismissed by those in the hegemonic group. Compelling analysis here 👏👏👏
Why should we put up with violence, the treat of Jihad and Islamic preachers . What a very biased conversation by a academic. If he studies political anthropology he's not really got a grip on human nature and systems .
Thank you for standing up against the current stupidity, wherever it is to be found. I'm hopeful that you will have an opportunity to be heard here in Australia where this ridiculous cow-towing to the Israel and USA influence threatens to throw away all that we have achieved as a largely multi ethnic, peaceful culture and were on track to make amends for our horrible colonial settler past.
Isn't hage from Australia? His book write nationalism was pretty much in response to anti immigrant sentiments and the cronulla riots
On track to make amends? The results of the referendum suggest otherwise
Ghassan Hage the legend. ❤
This is a really interesting conversation. I really like how he describes the breakdown of separation between internal and external authoritarianism and violence.
As an Australian just returned to my other "home" in Austria for 6 months this interview hits me so hard on a number of levels. Thank you. Gassan Hage has given me a set of thinking tools with which to understand the muteness of pro-Palestinian support amongst activist friends here as well my own experiences as a migrant in Austria and as a European on unceded land in Australia.
Excellent conversation, thank you both so much.
Thank you for this great interview. I do hope justice and truth can overcome all. Free Palestine! Free the world of zionism and imperialism.
The final words left the biggest impact. Though all of the interview is important.
I’m glad that academic freedom seems to be holding out in Australia, despite the general discourse and press freedom being in a pit. (If someone with contrary examples wants to correct me I welcome that.. have personally seen a lot more suppression of journalism than academia.)
Wonderful interview and great sense of why a deep humanities curriculum will add greater amplitude to our ways of relating to each other across phobic boundaries.
Excellent discussion. Love from Australia. Thank you.
Thanks a lot for the interview. It's so interesting to listen and learn about the work of Dr. Ghassan. It would be great if you could interview other people who are of Middle Eastern background who were sacked from their work or of German Jews who were silenced just for active against war (Genocide) of Gazans.
Brilliant interview. Hope another Hage book emerges from this experience.
Thank you
Great interview as always. Thank you
Great interview. Very informative
I'm almost thankful to the Max Plank institute in more ways than one, but mostly because otherwise I might not have heard Ghassan Hage's overview and insightful perspective. It got me thinking how you see that Nazi look in the eye's of those that look down on people who are poorer than they are, but I suppose it applies to all unselected people, still, I'm glad I feel, and always have, like one of them.
Such an excellent repòrt and thanks for giving this brave reaearcher. We have been suspicious of the attacks on the pro peace laws that create more wars while people want peace and your guests research is what we expect. His bravery is worth our support and I hope you offer details in following his court case.
Thank you for sharing this conversation🙏 It has been very interesting and educational. Human nature is complex. It would be too easy to say people are good or evil. I do believe there often are practical reasons for human behaviour.
That human nature is complex, in no way validates evil or good. I think you miss the point of intentional responsibility. I can show you a homeless drunk on the corner who always tells the truth, and I can show you a PHD who has 5 houses in 3 countries, because he is a sleeze-bag of lies.
From my observations, the most dangerous humans are those who are convinced that their actions are good. It was those who thought they were good, who tortured and burned those that they called witches, and due to their idea that witches were evil, then no act done to those called a witch was deemed evil.
The brilliant Ghassan Hage!
Very informative. Thank you
TXS for this inspiring interview, I. m deeply ashamed of the German government , this is clearly not my home anymore. Good to fight back.
Get informed through listening to get more knowledge of YOUR OWN MAKING through informative Information.
"All they are white supremacist states". If they were, they wouldnt be the single most open place to immigrants. Total strangers can just walk in and get access to literally free life. Do we have any other place this open to non natives? Even in the face of most of it being net negative. Would have been nice to hear mr. Hage reflect on that.
I think he's upset he lost his job.
Whites are not native to America and Africa. They are the majority in many of the countries in those two continents. White folks are treated very well in many countries. They can be criminals in many countries and be released back to their countries. Where I am from, they travel for vacation, but houses, live in a sort of white only communities without any problem! Stop it.
As a European, WTF is this guy talking about!
Thanks for speaking up ❤ Ghassan IS Semetic uhlike Europe
"Welt" from the notorious Springer publishing house is the worst in this respect...
The Roots, Legacy of Gaza , didn't begin on Oct 7th and won't end in Gaza, Iran.
As I have already defined myself as FORMER BRITISH SUBJECT and now lived in Europe over half century can begin to SEE a REAL COLONIAL EUROPE INDEED.OBS:USA,EU and THE WEST i.e.GLOBAL NORTH (former colonial Powers)vs GLOBAL SOUTH. Support for Israel USA,EU and the WEST. Never thought this DICHOTOMY to medge nearer this but that is the REAL TRUTH.
This doctor is the dogs bollocks. much respect to speaking out.
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To Prof. Ghassan Hage and other: Perhaps you know the native indian John Trudell 1946 - 2015 ? Google: " John Trudell on race and colonization and IRC. " Weise and very sharp !
i love John Trudell. Thank you for making that association.
❤❤❤
The most dengerous thing for Europe is islam. It seems like it is already too late.
The problem seems to be over the occupation of lands. Those who have it don’t want to give it up or share it. Those who don’t own land feel they have aright to go and take or expect the owners to share . Big problem. Who is right and who is wrong?
The invasors, of course.
Lol! Who is right and who is wrong? The ones who are stealing homes and land if the owner residents go out to work or shop, and threaten to kill or kill the owner residents who return home are perhaps wrong, eh? The ones who murder people in villages to take over the land are perhaps wrong. The ones who come with soldiers and bulldozers and flatten the homes of others and sell the land to complete foreigners overseas, who then cone and say, hey, I bought this land, I don't care that it was your land for centuries, your home for decades, I bought it from completely different people and now it's mine... perhaps they are wrong eh? That is what Israelis do there. Just last month they were literally doing big Jewish real estate events in Canada and US, ONLY selling land to Jewish people. People who had no connection to the land, buying it from people who don't own it. There are lots of videos online of Americans arriving in the West Bank with soldiers, a piece of paper saying they bought the land, and forcibly ousting the people who literally DID own the land and live there, sometimes for generations and generations. "Occupied". Like Chinese coming to America and showing they bought your house while they were in China, they have a bill of sale, and police kick you out. Though you, the owner, didn't sell the land. A complete stranger sold your land to another complete strangers and you are forced out at gunpoint. I think it is not hard to tell who is right and wrong. Their justification is "God gave us this land". You try using that, to sell your neighbor's property to your friends.
I want you to share your house with me .I really want to take it...but let's say share at the moment.
The ones who care for the environment and all animal habitat and consider their place of sharing with that.
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He makes way too many assumptions that are just not true or only half true. He is projecting warped personal ideologies that will pass for only his uninformed followers.
Australian and Muslim in Germany, Pauline Hanssen will say nice things about him
Free Palestine!
Truly remarkable that I get to witness the total legitimization of the West
But when God's chosen people left Palestine 2, 000 years ago - they weren't Europeans 🤔
Each Institute has the right to relate with who they want. I don't see any problem that if the Jewish staff of that Institute fslt unsecure based on his comments about October 7th. Companies and institutions in Germany they put first their staff, and a German court will rule on a German person/Institute favour. So his suing is mega pointless.
Prosemitism. 🤦♀🤷♂️
pro-palestinian voices is pro-hamas voices
This video is propaganda
Brilliant!!!
Instead about the democracy in liberal Europe, he should bother more about establishing democracy in the Islamic world. Otherwise, he is only talking nonsense. Let the Germans take care of themselves and Ghassan Hage about the Arabs.
Democracy like US ?
@@kaeltkottmir More like the theocracy of Saudi Arabia.
If that’s the case, the days of MEE are clearly numbered! lol
Ok, let's follow your arab supremacist religion then 😂😂😂
Are there religions that aren't supremacist? But really... what is your point? Do you have one?
Freedom of speech is a privilege, not a right or a value.
How stupid
In this case, since the Max Planck Institute that fired Ghassan Hage, is based in Germany, German laws will apply, including Article 5.1 of the German Constitution: 'Everyone has the right freely to express and disseminate his opinions in speech, writing and pictures and to inform himself without hindrance from generally accessible sources.' However, as Article 5.2 clarifies, there are some limitations: 'These rights are limited by the provisions of general law, the statutory provisions for the protection of young people and the right to personal honour.' So, in this context, it's a right rather than a privilege, though with some limitations.
Aw, thank you judge and jury of all history since the day you formed your first of many stupid opinions. Idiots do not belong on the Internet!!!
I can see you have a very clear understanding of all three concepts.
It shouldn't be but it is a priviledge of those that say things that don't disrupt the status quo or those that are rich
What garbage 😂
Billy Clifton repeats Ghandi's fatuous remark about Western civilisation 'being a good idea'. Did he say it before the massacre of up to 2 million Indians - by Indians, in 1947-48. Does Billy admire the ruthless authoritarianism of Narendra Modi to the liberal values of Britain? Guilt over colonialism really screws up some people's minds.
In the last 20 years, Europe has seriously re-evaluated its colonial past. Germany has a problem, but in Britain, anti-Israeli demos are widespread and tolerated. There are many millions of citizens in Europe from old colonies. They wanted to come to Europe as do countless of millions of others from the Middle East and Africa and Pakistan. Have they tried to settle in Russia or China? Maybe they should give it a try.
That's about as stupid as thinking ants don't need anthills because God made mountains. Your just a lazy thinker watching porn, while wishing you had stayed in school long enough to get kicked out.
China and Russia are even worse and more open in their racism against muslims or non-white immigrants. In Europe, especially in Germany, there is a performance act of "tolerance" going on. It doesn't stop the police or the interior intelligence to look away when Neo-Nazi terrorists go after muslims, like the NSU (aslong as they can present it as a "widespread error" of not catching them earlier.)
So people from European colonies should go to China or Russia... .wth has it got to do with them ?..