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The Return: The 19th Century and the Remaking of America

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By every measure the United States is experiencing a significant, deliberate return to its 19th-century cultural and political framework, characterized by a shift toward nationalism, protectionism, and a “Second Gilded Age” of economic inequality. More broadly, such a sustained shift toward 19th-century-style nationalism, protectionism, and sharply increased inequality is reshaping law, institutions, and everyday life.

Such radical and rapid political revolution leading to the “repositioning” of this society will have profound and potentially negative implications for minority groups, among others. Class, race, and status are replacing equity, inclusion, and diversity. This “return” will likely feature a type of reconfiguration of “separate but equal” status. “Whiteness” will return to its racially framed meaning in this revised construct, as history is being reconfigured and altered to fit this moment.

Among some Americans, there is a yearning for the “good old days” a type of political nostalgia, which has given license to this administration in its effort to return America to its more conservative, traditional social patterns and reestablish rigid class hierarchies, reintroduce scientific racism, and reimpose strict moral codes.

Such a profound and significant cultural transfer will have a very real impact on Jews whose liberal inclinations and socially conscious understandings will be challenged and upended.

Coercive social control, something already in play, including harsh policing, criminal-justice expansion, and surveillance technologies could be normalized, along with deepening mass incarceration and civic disenfranchisement, all behaviors that are threatening to Jewish sensibilities.

Antisemitic myths focusing on conspiracy and dual loyalty, among other themes, will resurge in an environment where such........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)