SPxFP Descriptions

 Setting Precedence by NOT Following PROTOCOL…

delivers critical information for helping ‘typical’ human beings understand contemporary antisemitism

designed and delivered by Christine Maxwell, PhD (https://www.settingprecedence.net/)

to empower proactive understanding, encourage remembrance, inspire individual agency

Translating academic formality into everyday conversational language,

tailored presentations can be delivered as a 4-part sequential series or individually. Typical venues include keynotes, lectures, museums, libraries, book clubs, study groups, special events, etc. Select readings in the affordable primer, Following PROTOCOL… or NOT?!, support discussion before or after the presentation. Key resources are suggested that are useful in applying knowledge and understanding to new situations. Simple online exercises can be completed at any time to ‘fit’ points together. A full list of references affords further study to enact positive change.

See more at https://www.settingprecedence.net/projects/combating-antisemitism

• (NOT) Following Protocol: Identifying Propaganda Techniques

• Understanding the Protocols of the Elders of Zion: Roots of the 'Big Lie'

• Being [In]Human... Strategies for Combating Antisemitism

• Making a Difference: Practical Tips for Initiating Change

(NOT) Following Protocol

Most of us were raised by our parents and guardians to follow certain ‘rules’ of behavior. Later, many of us were trained to follow specific ‘protocols’ relating to our work choices, like medical, military, government, or scientific protocols. In setting a precedence for challenging antisemitic propaganda, I am making a play on the most influential antisemitic work of propaganda to this day, the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. This fabricated work of plagiarized material continues to provide the foundation for antisemitic attitudes and actions around the world. So that’s why I’m asking you to NOT follow ‘protocol’ in this particular case. For this session, (NOT) Following Protocol, we’ll review the evolution of antisemitism from its long-ago beginnings to today’s headlines.

Challenging antisemitic propaganda involves several key strategies and considerations: education and awareness, media literacy, countering online hate, legal and policy measures, interfaith and intercultural dialogue, addressing conspiracy theories, supporting Jewish communities, combating Holocaust denial and distortion, promoting accurate information about Israel and Zionism, and encouraging bystander intervention – for example. While we can’t possibly cover all of that today, I can share some ideas for taking a multifaceted approach that combines education, advocacy, and community engagement to counter harmful narratives and promote understanding and respect for Jewish people and culture.

Suggested reading:    Contemporary Antisemitism (1); Identifying Propaganda (2)

Related resources:     20 Points to Remember; PBS Propaganda Techniques

Optional exercise:       Identifying Your Interests & Influence 

Understanding the Protocols of the Elders of Zion

For this session, Understanding the Protocols, we’ll look at a seminal antisemitic work called the Protocols of the Elders of Zion to better understand how contemporary antisemitism has evolved and why it continues to persist. Fabrication of the Protocols significantly amplified the scope and scale of antisemitism by providing a false narrative of a Jewish conspiracy for global domination. Despite being discredited as a forgery, it remains influential, perpetuating antisemitic beliefs and conspiracy theories worldwide.

The propagandist ‘disinformation’ published in the Protocols continues to drive antisemitic behavior in new and unbelievable ways, so it’s important that we understand the source of this repeated undercurrent. Antisemitism did start with the Jews, but - today more than ever before - it’s clear that it won’t end with the Jews… In an influential work of military strategy, The Art of War, Sun Tzu is credited with saying that “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

In this session, we take a closer look at the original Protocols to gain new perspectives on contemporary antisemitism.

Suggested reading:    The Big Lie (I, II, III, IV, V); The Protocols (VI, VII, VIII, VIX, X)

Related resources:     Maxwell, Case Study 3: Unlocking the Power of Narrative

Optional exercise:       Flipping Global Evolution into Local Revolution

Being [In]Human...

The title of this presentation, Being (In)Human, reminded me of a talk that singer-songwriter John Denver gave in 1980, there in his beloved Aspen, Colorado. After singing for 44 thousand people, he admitted being nervous about speaking to a few hundred as he was out of his comfort zone. He had titled his talk On Being Human so that he could talk about anything! Regardless of race, religion, political or sociological systems, he addressed certain aspects everyone there shared because they were human beings. He goes on to address how “the world in which we live as human beings and the way the world acts on us as human beings and the way human beings relate with other human beings has created a kind of situation where it's really not okay to be yourself.”

As human beings, we each interpret the same things somewhat differently. Over the next few minutes, I’m going to challenge you to suspend your emotional judgment by thinking deliberately, to stretch your worldview by looking for additional information, and to listen for the nuance that makes the others you encounter along life’s way uniquely magnificent. Probably not what you expected for a talk on contemporary antisemitism, right? But trust me - and enjoy the scenery!

Suggested reading:    Antisemitism (XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV); Strategies for Thinking through Issues (3)

Related resources: ADL Pyramid of Hate; Holocaust Memorial Day Trust 10 Stages of Genocide

Optional exercise:   Defining Antisemitism: Just One Word

Making a Difference

Making a Difference, suggests ways to ‘break’ the inherent, subconscious, and deliberate protocols of contemporary antisemitism with vigilance in countering these false narratives and promoting tolerance, diversity, and understanding. As awareness grows, more individuals and organizations are taking a stand against antisemitism. By promoting tolerance and challenging false narratives, we contribute to a more inclusive society. Combating antisemitism requires vigilance, education, and active engagement. Together, we can dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote a world where all individuals are valued and respected. Each of us plays a vital role in creating a more equitable future.

In order to ‘break protocol’, recommended techniques, strategies, and resources for combating contemporary antisemitism are examined with the intention of transferring new knowledge and understanding of antisemitic practices to ‘stand up’ by taking appropriate action. When dealing with sensitive and complex issues like antisemitism or other forms of discrimination, it’s essential to approach the topic with care and diligence. Relying on vetted primary sources ensures that one has the most accurate, nuanced, and trustworthy information to inform decision-making, so we’ll take a look at a few practical resources for initiating change.

Suggested reading: Breaking Protocol (XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX); Resources for Initiating Change (4)

Related resources:   Antisemitism: 90 Ways You Can Respond; Setting Precedence Network

Optional exercise: Dismantling Antisemitism: Stand Up!