In a recent thought-provoking article, Jonathan Foxman explored why some young Americans went as far as to vandalize memorials for kidnapped Israelis. His piece, published in the Times of Israel, reveals a deeper issue: a divisive way of seeing the world that labels people as either completely good or bad, based on their wealth, power, and skin color.
Foxman points out that this black-and-white thinking leads to some seeing Jews as oppressors simply because they are perceived as wealthy and powerful. This perspective doesn’t consider the complexities of individual lives or the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It simplifies a complex situation into a narrative where one side is entirely right, and the other is entirely wrong.
Echoing Foxman’s concerns, psychologist Jonathan Haidt notes a similar trend on university campuses. He observes a quick jump to criticize Israel and a rise in antisemitic acts, from vandalism to threats against Jewish students. This, according to Haidt, stems from an educational focus on seeing the world through a lens of privilege and oppression, where those viewed as privileged are automatically considered bad.
Both experts argue that this way of thinking is too simplistic. It ignores the diversity within groups and the complexity of geopolitical situations. For instance, not all Israelis are wealthy, and not all Palestinians are poor. And while some may try to categorize Israelis as oppressors, this overlooks the nuanced reality of life in the region.
Moreover, from a Christian perspective, this division into good and bad people misses a crucial point: everyone has flaws. According to Christian teachings, all humans make mistakes, so it’s misleading and harmful to label entire groups as good or evil based on their identity or actions.
The takeaway from both Foxman and Haidt’s articles is a call for more understanding and less division. They suggest moving beyond seeing the world in black and white to appreciate its full spectrum of colors. This approach encourages us to see people not just as members of groups but as individuals with their own stories, challenges, and contributions to the world.