Variationen eines Vorurteils: eine Entwicklungsgeschichte des Antisemitismus in Österreich

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Passagen, 1997 - Antisemitism - 264 pages
Traces the rise of racist antisemitism in 19th-20th century Europe. Analyzes sociological factors in its diffusion and instrumentalization and the transition from ideology to action in Nazism. In Habsburg Austria and in the First Republic, all the political parties except the Social Democrats were antisemitic. Explains the Holocaust as a product of the existing antisemitic ideology, which became a substitute religion, and an efficient bureaucracy and technology. Describes the postwar repression of guilt among all Austrians as shown in opinion polls of the 1970s-80s. These also show strong antisemitism as gradually decreasing, but moderate antisemitism and traditional stereotypes still widespread. Austria is the only Western country in which antisemitism was exploited by a major political party (in Waldheim's election campaign). This aroused a discussion on Austria's share in the Holocaust. Though subsequent leaders have expressed contrition, a large percentage of the population still clings to the old stereotypes. Discusses, also, the influence of antisemitism and the Holocaust on Zionism, the new Israeli identity, and Israel's fear of its Arab neighbors.

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Contents

Einleitung
13
Die Vorstellung der Rasse
29
Antisemitismus als Phänomen der Moderne
57
Copyright

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