Defamation

Very good documentary. By which I mean it agreed with my position on many things.

Defamation is a documentary about anti-Semitism. Which may or may not exist. Which may or may not be the same thing as anti-Zionism. Which may or may not be used a political tool. Which may or may not be using the past as an excuse for any actions taken in the present.

This film covers a range of topics, and does so by letting people speak. And as they speak you hear many, many views. Some of which you may agree with, which may surprise you given who some of the views are spoken by... and some views conversely you may disagree with... but be careful who you say you disagree with or you might be labeled an anti-Semite. [And if anyone labels me as anti-Semite because of this review, you are simply confirming the points of the film. And it'll be weird because this is New Zealand, we got us plenty other anti-isms to deal with before anti-Semitism becomes an issue.]

One part of the film follows Jewish students on a trip to Germany and Auschwitz, and shows the power of... I'm going to use the term... brainwashing. Now they will be able to know the power of anti-Semitism now it's been pointed out to them. The Death Camps were a terrible thing, but how about North Korea where it's still happening? Don't like suffering? then check out Africa where children, families, communities are suffering. Anti-Semitism is a lower priority than other world issues.

One segment in particular shows the main problem: communication, and the lack of it. People think Jews run things, because that's what they think. Jews also think this. It isn't true in either case. (This is a point made by the head of the Anti-Defamation League.) And yet while (differing) emotion is used (on both sides) to drive points home, communication isn't going to be effective.

Definitely a film to check out.


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