Take this sticker. Noticed at the excellent Newberry Library book shop. Now I love the Newberry Library and its book shop. A beautiful little shop. Very well curated. Maybe even too well curated, in that they don't carry any of my books, not even books researched right upstairs at the Newberry Library, where I am a scholar-in-residence. That is their right. Though I mean, really. It wouldn't kill them to carry a book of mine.
Speaking of dying. Look at the above sticker, on sale at the Newberry Library bookstore, one of the many fun products they carry that isn't one of my books. A skeleton, sprouting flowers, attended by a friendly snail, snake, spider. The motto: "Honk if you are excited to return to the earth & be one with nature again."
Let's think about that. What does that mean? It means, I'm fairly certain, "Honk if you're hot to die." Or am I misinterpreting that? I do not think I am.
A curious sentiment, yes? Particularly one to put ... well, I assume on your car, though I suppose you could put it in your dorm room or tarot shop or messenger bag. The young are so cavalier about life, they invite death as sport. What the Shakespeare line? "He jests at scars that never felt a wound." Romeo and Juliet.
Then again, maybe it's sarcastic and I'm just missing it. That happens. The thoughtful can be overly serious. Which is scary. I used to be a humorist....
I went to look at the website for catcoven.com, the name tucked into the corner of the sticker, to see if this is par for the course, or extraordinary. A handsome selection of pins and stickers, t-shirts and such. They have a statement of purpose:
I went to look at the website for catcoven.com, the name tucked into the corner of the sticker, to see if this is par for the course, or extraordinary. A handsome selection of pins and stickers, t-shirts and such. They have a statement of purpose:
"If you are looking for unique gifts with a creepy cute vibe, welcome to Cat Coven! Cat Coven is proudly a queer woman owned business based out of Harrisburg, PA. Cat Coven is a shop for the weirdos, witches, and warriors. All artwork featured is by me, Kjersti Faret. My designs are influenced by a love of nature, medieval art, Halloween, witchy things and cats. It is my mission that you feel empowered, confident, and inspired. My products are produced in small batches to ensure quality. Shop thoughtfully made products like art prints, T-shirts, embroidered patches and more."
"Thoughtfully made." So we're birds of a feather then. In all honesty, I like the Witchy Worm and its purple hat. Cute. I looked around and didn't even see the above sticker, so maybe it was made in one of those small batches and then discontinued out of respect for old people who don't like mortality being trifled with since they hear its hoofbeats thundering ever closer and it scares us. I seem to recall not minding "Don't Fear the Reaper" when Blue Oyster Cult put it out 48 years ago, and that's practically a musical advertisement for self-destruction.
"Thoughtfully made." So we're birds of a feather then. In all honesty, I like the Witchy Worm and its purple hat. Cute. I looked around and didn't even see the above sticker, so maybe it was made in one of those small batches and then discontinued out of respect for old people who don't like mortality being trifled with since they hear its hoofbeats thundering ever closer and it scares us. I seem to recall not minding "Don't Fear the Reaper" when Blue Oyster Cult put it out 48 years ago, and that's practically a musical advertisement for self-destruction.
Although, I do see, along with the Grumpy Toad Witch and the Halloween Frogs, a "Free Palestine" vinyl sticker. The "...of Jews," unvoiced, but implied in that statement, didn't fit, apparently. Maybe not so thoughtful after all. It's almost funny, to see this smorgeboard of cutsy items, jack-o-lanterns and cats and unicorns and gnomes. And then this oblivious hate message, prettied up in red and green, with a serene dove, for use by cosplay sorceresses. Five for $12. I'm sure the owner — a lovely person, no doubt — has no idea why it's wrong, and I wouldn't dream to stepping up to be the person to try to explain it to her. Maybe that's why I do so much thinking — trying to make up for those who do so little.
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| I should post the sign being discussed in the comments below; it topped the blog Oct. 8. |
Persuasive as always!
ReplyDeleteI immediately saw it as touting human composting, a process that is growing in popularity as an earth friendly alternative to what’s usually done with our corpses.
ReplyDeleteShe's just a classic anti-Semite, but I guarantee you, she would deny it.
ReplyDeleteAnn Landers used to have a column of all things that Jews created to make life better for everyone. https://www.chron.com/life/article/landers-jewish-contributions-to-the-world-are-2065711.php
"...of Jews". I mean this sincerely when I ask how does this sticker assume that Palestinians need to be free of Jews. Are the Palestinians a free society? I get the "from the river to the sea..." and how that is interpreted. Let me ask this, what should that have said instead?
ReplyDeleteWow! I did not see that coming though with the State of affairs in the world, I shouldn't be surprised at all.
ReplyDeleteJust more than a year ago I had a friend, one friend in particular that was in the free Palestine crowd. They were also in the free Tibet crowd.
Their point of view seemed to be though I had grown tired of it ,that the Palestinian people should be freed from the restrictions that the Israeli government had put on them, particularly freedom of movement. All the checkpoints and the difficulty getting to work or to the hospital that they had to endure because they lived in a country where their government was belligerent especially towards Israel. But I don't remember the notion that free of Jews was the over arching theme like it usually is now.
Hoping for a two state solution where the Palestinians could practice self determination is not antisemitism.
I hope one day Americans can be more tolerant again and less triggered
Perfectly stated.
Delete"Hoping for a two state solution where the Palestinians could practice self determination is not antisemitism." And realizing that the Palestinian leadership has thwarted most attempts that might have led to a two-state solution is not Zionism.
DeleteIts always important to remember, there appear to be people on both sides with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, and a majority who
DeleteMy initial take on the bumper sticker was that it’s was a veiled threat. “Honk at me and risk your life.” But maybe it’s not so dark.
ReplyDeleteYou can have the Middle East. I'll take the Midwest.
ReplyDeleteCritical thinking is something we need to be better at. Elections seem to highlight this mental wasteland.
ReplyDeleteMAGA is easy, simple, devoid of thought. No explanation of how just that its not great with you and it will be with me. You have to think to understand why that's so wrong. You have to take time to dissect such simplicity and even more to build up why its a fallacy. it takes so long in fact, that you lose before you start. Free palistine is much the same. simple, effective, clear, concise, devoid of reality and explanation.
I understand the need for simplicity; it fits on a sticker, its easy to say, its simple and doesn't require nuances. But the reality is, these things are complex. and instead of simplifying, we need to make people better at understanding and conversing in the complex... but i think there is a reason we don't.
I, for one, can't figure out what "Jews have space lasers" is supposed to mean or imply. The other items could be considered liberal/progressive platitudes and the "Jews have..." might be ironic if it weren't listed along with the platitudes. It might make some sort of sense if it said "Jews have tanks, fighter planes and bombs" but it still doesn't fit with the platitudes. "Free Palestine" is classic cant of course, as defined by Dr. Sam. "Nuke Iran" would probably sell as well, maybe even to the same customers. I dare say that slogans sell much better than thought and have helped propel non thinkers into high offices past, present and sadly future.
ReplyDeleteJohn
I chose it to accompany today's post because I saw the sign as a wry commentary on the Achilles' heel in the progressive liberal mindset. They believe all these soft warm humanistic slogans — and I mean "all.' Alongside a toxic anti-Semitism that doesn't even register, to them, because, well, it concerns Jews.
DeleteWow. This argument almost sounds like you are saying being a non Jew is anti-Semitic. Am I missing something here?
DeleteYes, completely. I'm not saying that at all. Maybe you could explain how you came to that conclusion, because I don't see it.
DeleteI always interpreted those lawn signs as all inclusive, never considered them "toxic anti-Semitism" at all. Count me as one of those liberal progressive (athiests) who doesn't get it. How do see toxic anti-Semitism in that sign?
DeleteWe need to replace that sign, Mr. S. The one that's been in front of our house for a couple of years is now wearing out. Doesn't have the space laser line, though. Just "Science is real"...and if people don't believe that after this hurricane season, then there's no hope for them.
DeleteSimply put, if we didn't believe in all the things on the sign, it wouldn't be there. If that puts us in the progressive liberal camp, Mr. S, then so be it. I don't consider myself one. Never have. If they're soft warm humanistic slogans, I'm okay with that, too. Better than a clenched fist on a "Bash the Fash" sign...which is how I really feel.
That multi-colored sign stands next to the "We stand with Ukraine" sign and the Harris/Walz sign and the Sherrod Brown for Senate sign. The first two signs are permanent. Have to respond to the bozos across the street, who've been flying the Blue Lives Matter flag 24/7 for the past six years. It's waving in the breeze as I type these words. It means so much more than what they tell me it means. No need to go there again.
Ah, I'm starting to see the problem. We're not talking about "those signs." We're talking about the sign above. Did you read it? Or are you one of those people who comment on things you have not in fact read? Or do you think that Jews actually DO have space lasers?
DeleteTo be fair, I’m sure that many/most of us assumed the sign above said the same things the signs we have seen in our neighborhood say and didn’t read it line by line. Normally that line reads “Science Is Real.”
DeleteRead it. Laughed, but not for long. I get the point...that too many left-leaning people also have no love for Israel, and support the cause of the Palestinians. Which automatically makes them anti-Semites? One can despise Israel's iron-fisted policies, and its leaders, without hating all Jews.
DeleteAssuming that was Photoshopped, and not a real sign. Who the hell would ever post one of those? I always took the 'space lasers' thing as a joke...and something to use to make fun of one of the biggest idiots on the right, Marjorie Trailer Queen. Just something to throw back in her face, and to use to make fun of her total ignorance. I've never thought of it as an anti-Semitic snark. It's in the same bag of stupidity as...well...let's see...the eating of the pets.
Oh. So sorry. Of course that's anitsemitism!!! I have never seen one of those and thought that was photo shopped or AI generated.
DeleteYou're sugar-coating the reality. By "no love for Israel" you mean, "share the Palestinian dream of driving the Jews out by force and occupying the land themselves." Because if that isn't their goal, then what are they doing? Demonstrating their desire to live peacefully in Israel. So yes, it makes them anti-Semites. Nobody is a bigot because they're so brave and candid.
DeleteI didn't really see a whole lot of Deep Meaning to the space lasers sign; it looks like the sort of gag image that I see rolling by in the spouse's Facebook feed.
DeleteI took it as a joke about folks piling up all their concerns into one sign, and somehow that one snuck in unintentionally. Perhaps it's a message that we should not assume that everyone else's views will exactly match our own, even if the big concerns do.
Perhaps it's just that there is a little idiot in all of us. It takes up a greater percentage in some more than others.
Tate started out by saying: "I, for one, can't figure out what 'Jews have space lasers' is supposed to mean or imply." I just thought it was a joke, *because* it was listed "along with the platitudes."
DeleteIt seems evident that it's a photoshopped version of the actual, inclusive sign. I could certainly be wrong, and it could be "a wry commentary on the Achilles' heel in the progressive liberal mindset," but pretty much nobody who believes those other platitudes believes that Jews have space lasers. They do believe that MTG is a preposterous fool, ripe for being made fun of, however.
No. I don't share that dream at all. Just want the killing to stop and Bibi to be ousted and some sort of truce...a permanent one. Followed by some sort of agreement that allows both sides to co-exist. Not going to say anything more, even though I easily could, because I'm at a disadvantage here. It's not my house.
DeleteWhen I was a kid, my dad worked for his older brother. They were both CPAs. I have never forgotten the on their downtown office wall. The one that read "The boss may not always be right...but he's the boss." I happen to like it here...so I'm done.
Should read "the sign"...sort of ironic that I omitted it.
DeleteThe problem for me is if the Space Laser line is to be taken tongue-in-cheek, how does that rub off on the other lines, which I don't suppose are intended at all to be tongue-in-cheek.
DeleteRick: You're so close. To me, the point is, the owner of the sign believes all these true, valuable sentiments. And this utter nonsense regarding Jews. Obviously, it's open to interpretation but, rooting around for some kind of art to put up top last night, I came across this and it seemed apt. I'd have never used it if I thought people were going to focus on it so much.
DeleteI posted an earlier comment to this sub-thread, but I guess it's lost.
DeleteThe image you posted does not look like an actual sign, but does look like a photoshopped joke, as several have suggested. I don't know where you "came across this," but at the risk of being proven wrong, I would be very surprised if there is an actual "owner of the sign" who believes all these things equally. Most of the folks who "believe" in the space lasers don't believe the other things and are not liberal.
I certainly don't know, but it doesn't seem credible to me that SignsOfJustice.com (shown in the image and the creator of the legitimate We Believe signs) would be producing such a product.
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and sometimes a joke on Facebook, or wherever, is just a joke. Frankly, people might not have focused on it so much if it hadn't been for your original reply to Tate.
I agree completely with "Steve": Hoping for a two state solution where the Palestinians could practice self determination is not antisemitism.
ReplyDeleteYou're jumping to a conclusion, unsupported by any evidence.
I'm sorry, but that is not "being thoughtful".
Back in the 70s and 80s, during a previous round of Mideast bloodletting, "Zionism is not racism" was a popular slogan among those who condoned the occupation of Palestinian territory, and the elimination of its population. The lucky ones...the survivors...were either resettled or herded into refugee camps. Sounded like racism to me. Still does.
DeleteThe other side of the coin now seems to be: "A two-state solution is not anti-Semitism." A separate Palestinian entity, with self-determination for its people, seems to be the only way out of this endless mess. But Israel will never relinquish any of its land, and the Mideast will continue to be a killing ground, long after everyone here is forgotten dust.
There's no light at the end of the tunnel. If one does appear, it will merely be an Israeli train. And after the events of the past year, there may not even be a tunnel much longer.
Grizz,
DeleteIsrael has previously relinquished land land that it won through blood and treasure after being attacked by its neighbors.
They relinquished this land as part of peace deals that were then not lived up to by the opposition.
They do not need to relinquish any land in order for the Palestinians to have a state state. The Palestinians have land, some of which had previously been under Israeli control and was returned as part of a peace deal to which the opposition did not live up to.
Are you noticing a pattern?
The key is for Palestinians and their overlord which a is truly Iran to renounce to destruction of Israel, let their people live in peace and security and build constructive contributory societies that are not based on hatred of the West, West Christianity and Judaism.
It's not a simple matter but it's the only solution because Israel, the United States and other Western powers are not going to be defeated by The axis of resistance can't manage to land a missile that does any damage
Hopefully Biden decides to smash the Iranian nuclear capacity as a parting gift and maybe they'll begin to understand who's going to win in the long run, but I doubt it
Did we just learn a deep, dark secret about Newberry Library and their curator? Along with an answer about why they don’t carry your books…
ReplyDeleteThe Newberry Library has nothing to do with the lawn sign and Mr. Steinberg isn't suggesting it does.
DeleteHamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis are client militias of Iran, an ethnic Persian country ruled by a militant fundamentalist Shia clergy. Iran's "religious" leadership wants their client militias to do their bloody dirty work regarding Israel and the Palestinians. . The billions of dollars Iran has spent arming and financing these militias might have been used to create a Palestinian homeland rather than orphans - if that were truly their goal. Their real goal is anti Jew, not pro Palestinian. The professed concern for the Palestinians, Arab Sunnis unlike the Iranians, is a sad charade. The elimination of Jews, their brothers and sisters in the family of Abraham, is the genocidal game plan of the Iranian leadership. They are willing to sacrifice the Palestinian children and families they profess to support to achieve this insane scheme. Murderous certainties follow fundamentalist thought like the black of night follows day.
ReplyDeleteThe college students and others (like the crunchy granola artist identified here) are, generally, protesting US support (with weaponry) for the year of bombardment and destruction of Gaza civilians; some of them make the intellectually sloppy leap from anti-Bibi to anti-Israel, sometimes to "anti-colonial," and (less frequently) to explicit antisemitism.
ReplyDeleteThen there is the intellectually sloppy failure to distinguish opposition to Israeli policy under its right-wing government from antisemitism.
Yes, antisemitism in the US is real, but it's more evident, and more powerful, on the right: Trump, Musk, MTG, and so on. I can't understand why Mr. Steinberg is punching down at some art-entrepreneur rather than punching up at, say, Musk.
A number of prominent people are in favor of a Palestinian state (the "two-state" resolution), right? Does a Palestinian state involve freeing Palestine from Israel?
ReplyDeleteMy father's motto and frequent advice was to "Think Twice." Decades before there was a Harlan Coben novel or Celine Dion song of that name. Not that I'm suggesting that he invented the idea!
ReplyDeletePerhaps that was beneficial to my siblings, but not thinking carefully about things was rarely my problem. Then and now, being stymied by overthinking way too much stuff, both consequential and completely inconsequential, demonstrates to me the wisdom of your mother's admonition.
I think you're right that the woman featured in today's post doesn't really comprehend the implications of that sticker, which looks appealing and which I imagine she thinks is a harmless call for peace. I suppose the question is, would she sell one featuring the same dove, accompanied by a blue and white background and the message "Peace in the Middle East"?
As for the "return to the earth" sticker, I just thought that it's all in good fun and not meant to be taken seriously at all, though Bruce at 7:26 a.m. is probably right. I recall the Twitter hashtag "Giant Meteor 2016" during that campaign. I thought the implication that the end of the world would be preferable to the choice of either of the "other" candidates was funny, though I had no problem supporting and voting for Hillary.
Hi. I asked this below and should have asked it here/ today.
ReplyDeleteI know damn little about the history of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Can you recommend any books on the subject?
Maybe the "return to the earth" sign was less about being hot for death than just having a whimsical take on something that most regard with imponderable bleakness.
ReplyDeleteI don’t mean to brush the important things aside but I also overthink, drives my wife crazy.
ReplyDeleteDon’t have Google account. But what about sign reading “Free Palestine of Hamas”. That, of course, is what Israel is trying to do. Is there a reasonable argument of how it’s done?
ReplyDeleteJim Morley