Antisemitism in 10 Minutes

Explore the "longest hatred" in our episode on the history of Antisemitism, tracing its evolution from ancient religious friction to modern political conspiracy. In this installment, we unpack how the term—coined in 1879 by Wilhelm Marr to give a "scientific" veneer to old-world prejudice—represents a unique form of bigotry that often characterizes its targets as a shadowy, hyper-powerful force rather than an inferior one. We'll analyze the critical shifts in the anatomy of this hatred: from the religious-based anti-Judaism of the Middle Ages to the racialized, "blood-based" theories of the 19th and 20th centuries, and finally to the contemporary resurgence of ancient tropes in digital spaces. Join us as we examine the "Protean" nature of antisemitism—how it shapeshifts to fit the anxieties of any given era, whether it's used to explain economic collapse, social upheaval, or political instability. We'll look at the devastating real-world consequences of these myths and why understanding this specific mechanism of hate is essential for preserving the foundations of an open, pluralistic society.