My Experience With Antisemitism and Racism

The Charlotte Jewish News, May 2023

Celebrating Jewish Youth Essay Contest Winner

By Daniel Shames, Grade 11

Antisemitism and racism are two forms of discrimination that have plagued society for centuries. These forms of prejudice have had devastating consequences, leading to violence, hatred, and inequality. Being both Jewish and Chinese presents a unique challenge as these groups have been subjected to both forms of discrimination throughout history.

Antisemitism is the hatred or discrimination against Jewish people. It has been present throughout history, with examples dating back to ancient times such as 1290 when the entire Jewish population of England was kicked out as a result of orders from King Edward I. Jews have been persecuted, expelled from their homes, and subjected to violence and discrimination for centuries. During World War II, the Holocaust saw the systematic murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime. Today, antisemitism continues to exist in various forms, such as hate crimes, vandalism, and discriminatory policies. Racism, on the other hand, is discrimination against people based on their race or ethnicity. It is a pervasive problem that has led to inequality and social injustice. Chinese people have faced racism throughout history, particularly in the United States. In the 19th century, Chinese immigrants were subjected to discrimination, violence, and exclusionary policies, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act which prohibited Chinese immigrants from entering the US. Today, Chinese Americans still face racism, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of anti-Asian sentiment.

Being both Jewish and Chinese presents a unique challenge. I have experienced both forms of discrimination simultaneously, which can lead to a sense of isolation and alienation. I sometimes feel as if I do not fully belong to either community, or face rejection from both groups. Sometimes these forms of discrimination are not as transparent as you see on the news or TV but they happen in little waves or very subtly. Being a double minority, it is easy for many people to have something to make fun of me for. As far as my Chinese side, it is not as socially unaccepted to call us slurs like it is for African Americans so people get away with calling me nasty names like “chink” and “gook”. This form of racism happens on a weekly basis and it has definitely changed the way that I act around other people and even my friends. I have to watch what I say in fear of being bullied for something I cannot control.

Usually, I just shrug off the attack but at times it makes me very angry and I want to do something back. I know that in the long run that would just prompt more of that behavior and we would be at a loss/loss situation. Antisemitism is more frowned upon, as a result that type of discrimination occurs in a more bleak way. Most antisemitic comments I receive are because people do not know that I am Jewish so they say things in passing and don’t think a word of it. I can remember many times where I heard people saying terrible things about Jewish people or making fun of the Holocaust. When I was younger, I thought that if I just did not tell people I was Jewish, they would stay away and not have anything else to make fun of me for. I was ashamed to hide something so important to me from the rest of the world just because I was scared. Eventually people started to find out about my Jewish affiliations and I would be made fun of in and out of school as well as online. People called me things like a “dirty Jew” and would just laugh in my face about my own religion. With all forms of discrimination, I believe it is in my best interest not to fight back so I am not put into a worse situation than I am already in. Looking back at my previous actions, I do not believe that I would have done anything differently. I definitely could have been more assertive and upright with myself but I do not believe my final actions would change. The world should always be choosing kindness to stop all forms of hate that exist in the modern era.

Daniel Shames is a junior at Fort Mill High School. His favorite subjects are Biology and the sciences. He dreams of one day becoming a doctor so that he can help people in need. Daniel is currently a member of Temple Emanuel in Gastonia, NC, and helps out with projects around the synagogue. He lives with his mom, dad, and cat named Fluffy.