Let's Stop Being Condescending, Shall We?

Spend 10 minutes watching CNN's coverage of the war in Gaza and you'll quickly become sick to your stomach.  That is, if you have an objective bone in your body. 

News outlets are in a unique position of power.  Given time constrains, they are forced to decide which limited aspects of the news are to be delivered to their audience.  Add to that a competitive desire for ratings, and an ingrained bias and you have what ends up being the farthest thing from truth or reality.  Instead, you pretty much receive what amounts to propaganda.

But that's not really news.  I think most of us accept that reporters are not objective, which is why we choose to watch news outlets that are more aligned with our already established beliefs. 

I'll therefore spare you my criticism of CNN's time-tested bias against Israel and instead focus on a different aspect of their reporting, which also applies to the general attitude many politicians have towards Israel.

What I'm talking about is a patronizing attitude, manifested not only in words but also in expressions when talking about Israel - its leadership, people, and army.

Mr. Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada had much to say recently about the horrors committed by Hamas terrorists against innocent Israelis.  But he also expressed himself about Israel in a way that came across as condescending, and paternal.  His words were: "I urge the government of Israel to exercise maximum restraint.  The world is witnessing the killing of women, children, of babies.  This has to stop."

Mr. Trudeau is certainly not alone.  Many of the world's leaders and media reporters express themselves in a similar way when it comes to Israel.  They exhibit an attitude that, frankly, is a bit perplexing, given Israel's stature and accomplishments.

Let's begin with some background about Israel.  We're talking about a parliamentary democracy, established in 1948 on the principles of freedom and equality.  Although the land on which it stands belonged to and was inhabited by Jews for thousands of years, its establishment in 1948 specifically surrounded the protection of Jews, given the horrors of the Holocaust and persistent global anti-Semitism.

The country initially struggled through severe economic depression, while at the same time absorbing hundreds of thousands of immigrants from across the globe.  Decades later it's become an economic powerhouse whose GDP per capita is higher than that of Canada's.  Its global high-tech ranking is in the world's top three, leading with bleeding edge innovation in the fields of healthcare, cybersecurity, defense, aggrotech, telecommunications, the environment, and more.

Israel has one of the strongest and most advanced militaries in the world, recognized by its most powerful neighbors as a force to be reckoned with.  It has maintained consistent economic growth and global influence, as well as vibrant democratic institutions despite countless and persistent terrorist attacks against its civilians, and multiple wars instigated by its neighbors.

In summary, I think it's earned the right to get some respect as an equal among the nations.

Yet, the condescending attitude persists.  Why is that?

Are those expressing them hiding their own insecurities?  Do they think too highly of themselves and of their countries?  Are they seeking attention, or rather, trying to deflect attention from their own mistakes and shortcomings?  Are they jealous of Israel's accomplishments, or are they perhaps unaware and don't quite understand what Israel has achieved and is capable of?

Whatever the reason, it must stop. 

Israel is a global powerhouse.  It is a solid democracy.  It is among the most advanced nations in the world.  It is diverse, open, and free.

I believe it's time both CNN, and world leaders begin showing Israel the respect it deserves, and talk about it, and to it, not in a way that reflects judgement or superiority, but rather respect as an equal.

Ilan Friedman

#viewsmyown