Negative attitudes toward Muslims and Jews are mounting Europe. A new survey found negative views among 46 percent of Spanish, 36 percent of Poles, 34 percent of Russians, 25 percent of Germans, and 20 percent of French. Britain is the only surveyed European country where anti-Semitic views did not rise, as only nine percent rate Jews unfavorably. In the US, seven percent of Americans have negative views toward Jews.
As for unfavorable attitudes toward Muslims, 52 percent in Spain, 50 percent in Germany, 46 percent in Poland and 38 percent in France hold negative views. In Britain the rate is 25 percent, and in the US it is 23 percent.
Not too long ago we heard stories about European extremists ready to capitalize on this hostility. This summer, German authorities uncovered a neo-Nazi children's summer camp, and the French have been investigating Paris clothing shops selling anti-Semitic T-shirts.
Is there a difference between latent unfavorable opinions, and dangerous hatred?
Torrini
Shudoo
Polo Ralph Lauren
wow i thought we would be higher in the muslim hatin.
1Oh, no.
"Is there a difference between latent unfavorable opinions, and dangerous hatred?"
Yeah, but unfortunately there's a definite link. It's true that many people can hold private unfavorable opinions towards one ethnic group, religion, or whatever, without ever acting on their feelings violently, but if a majority of people hold those opinions, that creates an environment that's more permissive towards the actions of those who do act out violently. If it's considered socially acceptable to hate a certain group, those who hate them will feel more comfortable in doing something about it.
As for the hatred of Muslims in Europe, my perception of that is that it bears similarities to negative perceptions of Hispanics here, in that the prejudice primarily stems from immigration and class issues--in Europe, the Middle Eastern and North African immigrants are sort of the equivalent of our Mexican immigrants. At least, that's what I've read and heard about the subject.
It's very unfortunate all around, no matter who the hatred is targeting.
2Jude, true story, i was in publix this afternoon, and on thursdays a bunch of mexican workers always come in and just wipe out the vegetables. I know to get there early! I once got there right before they did and they just swarmed me, smiling and picking out tomatoes and they let me finish like gentlemen before they demolished the avacados! anyway, there was a lady as I was leaving and I heard her say "ew here comes those dirty mexicans" and i just looked over at her gave her a dirty look ,and she appeared flustered that I heard her.
disgraceful.
3Wow. That lady is a disgusting human being.
What's publix?
4Its one of the big grocery store chains here in florida, there is literally one on every corner in my town of gainesville! Its my favorite place to shop.
My dad used to call it Pube-lix , ah the funny mind of an alcoholic!
5And thanks for the explanation. People mention it sometimes around here, and I never have any idea what they're talking about.
6Most mexicans I know have very good manners.
7I thought she was trying to type public
8AHAHHAH....i can see that. "i was out in public"
9Letsgetloud, only guys i know that still hold the door open for me.
10My husband is mexican, and my mom is amazed how mannerly him and his dad are. when you said when I was out in publix,I started thinking maybe CP never leaves the house .
11I always thought it had something to do with public assistance, and then I'd always think, "Well, that doesn't seem right, though."
12Jude C,wanted to let you know you are my fave dot
13Really? Thanks!
14No i leave the house, its work i never leave (still here right now!)
15We think you Rock .LOL
16Sometimes Sugar is the only thing that keeps me from bashing my own head in with my keyboard out of sheer boredom at work
letsgetloud!
17Who's "we," though?
18I just keep laughing about my avi,if people only knew what his shirt said.
19Well for one they fight too damn much that's why I wouldn't like them. Like pesky loud @$$ neighbors keeping us up all night with bombs and tanks.
As for the racial and religious bigotry it's simply ignorance and isn't it ironic that that is what keeps their own conflict going with each other.
20I don't really understand the jewish hating...why?
With Muslims it is easy, they look different (some do), dress different (the women who cover their heads) and because of the lightly publicized and seldom talked about links to terrorism...so it is obvious...by why the jews?
And what is up with Spain, for a highly romanticized country there is not a lot of love - I did not expect Spain to have such extreme views (the Dutch/French I would have expected).
21Wait, CP leaves the house?!?! I didn't think she was allowed to.
As to the article, hasn't there always been distrust bordering hatred for Jews? It seems to me that we have only recently added the Muslim community to that list, despite what the European countries might try to portray. Is this really anything new?
22zeze, antisemitism has been around since before Islam even existed, and it will never stop completely. I live in Germany, and while most people will never openly admit their resentment to a Jew, they voice it often behind their backs. I'm Jewish, but with an ambiguous name, blond hair and blue eyes, so many people talk about "the Jews" in front of me, not knowing that I am one. The comments are usually just stereotypes about Jews being money-hungry, not Nazi sentiments, but it's still terrible that educated adults think that way.
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