Antisemitism and Political Discourse: Why Words Matter

How do we talk about antisemitism in political and public life? Discussions about antisemitism often involve questions of language, history, identity and political responsibility. Yet disagreements frequently arise over how antisemitism is defined, recognised and communicated.In this episode, Professor Stephen Coleman explores the language of antisemitism and asks how politicians, journalists and citizens discuss one of society's oldest and most enduring forms of prejudice. Why do debates about antisemitism become so politically charged? How does language affect public understanding of discrimination? And what happens when difficult conversations about prejudice become entangled with wider political arguments?Joining Stephen is Dr Ben Gidley, Reader in Sociology and Psychosocial Studies at Birkbeck, University of London, whose research focuses on racism, migration, identity, belonging and contemporary forms of antisemitism.Together, they examine how language can clarify, complicate and sometimes polarise discussions about antisemitism in contemporary society, while exploring the responsibilities of politicians, media organisations and citizens in fostering meaningful democratic debate.This episode explores political communication, antisemitism, public opinion, media framing, political language, democracy and the ways language shapes public understanding of prejudice and discrimination.Guest: Dr Ben GidleyPresenter: Professor Stephen ColemanProducer: Carl HartleyWe'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, suggest topics to cover, or ask questions. Leave a comment below or visit ⁠⁠⁠www.thesoundofpolitics.com⁠⁠⁠. And if you like this podcast then please follow to be the first to hear when a new episode is released. The Sound of Politics is a podcast about political communication, political rhetoric, political leadership, democracy, public opinion and the language of politics. Hosted by Professor Stephen Coleman, each episode explores how politics is communicated and how citizens can better understand it.