tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post263411859785453385..comments2023-11-10T22:27:47.359-05:00Comments on Eye on a Crazy Planet: Anti-Semitism and a Classroom 'Jew Count' at University of Toronto's Social Work FacultyRichard Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10239826441964023625noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-38647679525657242332011-12-29T16:33:26.256-05:002011-12-29T16:33:26.256-05:00Anonymous comment came in, which I've excised ...Anonymous comment came in, which I've excised a word from, saying: "This XXXX professor should be fired and allowed to teach in Syria."Richard Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10239826441964023625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-64162308048293768302011-12-12T15:40:34.400-05:002011-12-12T15:40:34.400-05:00Just a question as to a comment made by Richard ab...Just a question as to a comment made by Richard about "Queers Against Israeli Apartheid". Why is it so important to quash differences of opinion? Why is criticism of political policy in what has, correct me if I am wrong, a country self defined by race? I certainly do not refute the right of Israel, or any other nation, including Palestine, to existence and sovereignty; however, since when did criticism of political policy amount to racism? When I hear to outrage against discussion and criticism of some of Israel's policy choices I hear to ominous drum of oppression and totalitarianism under the guise of freedom. Why is the University of Toronto being condemned for hosting a discussion of what is a very unpopular thing to touch upon. It my experience as a Canadian and Torontonian it is VERY unpopular to criticize anything that Israel does, doing so immediately brings accusations of being an antisemite and terrorist sympathizer - which is absolutely insane. In fact it reminds me of how those who have objected to American military operations where termed un-American and also, terrorist sympathizers. This "if you're not with us, you're against us" attitude has got to go, it is polarizing and creates needless hostility between people who under different conditions would likely be highly sympathetic to one another. When discussion and debate is restricted oppression and authoritarianism is present, whether from the majority, or yes, particularly in our time, from the minority. Criticism is not racism, but calling all critics racists is bigotry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-83218708465064429012011-12-11T23:08:15.933-05:002011-12-11T23:08:15.933-05:00This whole thread of posts is incredibly sad. Anti...This whole thread of posts is incredibly sad. Antisemitism has become it's own category but how is it really any different from plain, old, hideous racism as it affects everyone? Intolerance is an ugly thing which has a long history in and across many cultures, not exclusive to any one or other; however, it seems that claimants to the suffering of intolerance are often ready and even eager to deny it to someone else. If a person believes that there is apartheid in Israel then they are anti-semitic, if another person (or the same) sees a problem with gendered violence in Islam they are a racist. Everything has become so highly politicized that there is no room for discussion or criticism without accusations of bigotry and racism, this cannot be healthy for any race, never mind for a multicultural society. Racism towards Jews, Muslims, Africans or anyone else is all essentially the same thing; if you are not willing to stand up against it in all of its forms, but only as it affects your personal race, you are most also likely a racist just like those you condemn, regardless of whether you are Jewish, Muslim, African or anything else. It is just so disappointing to see such hypocrisy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-50594161437241320232011-08-26T03:12:49.462-04:002011-08-26T03:12:49.462-04:00Jews are passengers in the Titanic, as many times ...Jews are passengers in the Titanic, as many times before in history, but out of sheer stupidity (jews are extremely stupid in matters of antisrmitism) want to believe the tip of the iceberg is just a piece of white styrofoam adrift. The fact is the comments the North African students made about Jews are just a crude formnof expressing what perhaps most Anglo-European Canadians feel about Jews. So, the nitroglycerine is alredy around. The only question is when and what will set it off. Once that happens all the so called power of the Jews will collapse like sugar in hot water.<br /><br />It is the conditions that set antisemitism off. We can argue all we want antisemitism is irrtional and point to 6 million all we want to no effect. Besides it is irrational to fight irrational feelings with "rational" argument.<br /><br />As for the politicians there is no bloody way pf knowing if Harper is principled or not. In my view a "principled politician " is like a "moderate fundamentalist"...<br /><br />In the US violent antisemitism is close because the moral, social and economic mess the country is is in.<br /><br />So, move!, move baby! move! Only in Israel there is safety, for now. I say fo now because if the Israelis do not find a way be accepted by Arabs while it has the edge on nuclear weapons, for example helping Palestinians prosper and compensating them with lots of money in exchange for no return, etc., once the Arabs get the bomb which they will sooner of later in face of Iran and rapidly "rusting" US military, then Israel's option would be to perish in a thermonuclear Massada as the Arabs by and large will care little to lose 100 million of their own as long as Israel is vaporized or render uninhabitable for a few winters.<br /><br />Pass it on if you wantAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-19631539657743686412011-07-10T16:04:35.372-04:002011-07-10T16:04:35.372-04:00Seriously, it makes me sick to be a U of T student...Seriously, it makes me sick to be a U of T student, I don't even know why I bother paying my tuition (my personal savings earned through hard work), what sort of people/causes does it support exactly? More and more I think about abandoning my quest for a university degree altogether, my ambition is to become a professor, what serious chances do I have to become one (I'm Jewish and openly pro-Israel) in the current academic environment across Canada or even the U.S.? I'm in my mid 20's so it's still not too late to go to some college and earn some boring (but much in demand) trade diploma.<br /><br />I strongly suspect that there are much more anti-Semitic incidents on U of T campus than we're aware of, unfortunately few students are brave enough to complain without fear of very real academic repercussions that might come their way.U of T studentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-13332150186728168502011-07-05T20:57:54.389-04:002011-07-05T20:57:54.389-04:00Have a headache? The next time you reach for the...Have a headache? The next time you reach for the aspirin bottle, thank Dr Beyer....yes a Jew !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-22001581264215643572011-07-05T02:12:28.250-04:002011-07-05T02:12:28.250-04:00Prior to writing the article, I emailed Prof. Bhuy...Prior to writing the article, I emailed Prof. Bhuyan letting her know I was writing about the incident, using Prof. Lightman's journal article as a reference (I also interviewed him, Prof. Chambon, & Bernie Farber) and asked if she would like to provide her point of view. She did not respond.<br /><br />Social Work Dept. Dean, Prof. Mishna was asked if there were any facual errors prior to publication and she corrected the date of one incident, but did not deny to me that Prof. Lightman's account of what happened in the class was correct.<br /><br />Good luck with your studies. I would not expect, with all the publicity, that there wil be a repeat of what happened in Prof. Bhuyan's class soon.<br /><br />On the other hand, I didn't imagine that Queers Against Israeli Apartheid would be stupid enough to put Pride Toronto's funding in jeopardy by turning out this year, and that happened.Richard Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10239826441964023625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-78764650321358144382011-07-05T02:05:18.386-04:002011-07-05T02:05:18.386-04:00Read the course description for:
SWK4306H, Proces...Read the course description for:<br /><br />SWK4306H, Process of Social Exclusion, Marginalization & Resistance, Bhuyan, R.<br /><br />http://www.socialwork.utoronto.ca/students/courses.htm#swk4306h<br /><br />Confused? So am I!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-4454487800299666882011-07-05T01:39:58.707-04:002011-07-05T01:39:58.707-04:00I will be attending three classes of Professor Rup...I will be attending three classes of Professor Rupaleem Bhuyan’s this year. Is there a source of facts or findings to this article? Is there a response from Professor Rupaleem Bhuyan anywhere? I have read the article in The Journal for the Study of Anti-Semitism.<br /><br />As an incoming student, I do not know what to say or who I can speak to about my concerns, without feeling I am placing myself in a disadvantaging position. Ethically, I feel like I am in handcuffs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-3204343273683665022011-06-30T18:37:51.538-04:002011-06-30T18:37:51.538-04:00Anonymous above raises a good point - Jews are not...Anonymous above raises a good point - Jews are not all "white Europeans" and to generalize that they are is just another example of the narrow minded stereotyping that permeates the thinking perpetuated in Equity Studies programs and other Marxist-influenced "oppression politics" based courses in universities.Richard Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10239826441964023625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-47390417649651442552011-06-30T16:53:07.666-04:002011-06-30T16:53:07.666-04:00As a Jew of Ethiopian and Morrocan descent, an bla...As a Jew of Ethiopian and Morrocan descent, an black, African Jew ... this entire thread makes me shake my head in disgust.<br /><br />I guess my very existence would blow the minds of many of the ignorant people here, from those denouncing anti-semitism but being obviously racist, to those promoting anti-semitism and thinking they speak on behalf of all 'racialized' people.<br /><br />You're all a joke. The only one who remotely made any sense is Jill Maloney, and she and I probably would not see eye to eye on a lot of things.<br /><br />This is a sad, sad world, but years ago my family moved to a promised land called Canada because they wanted freedom. You all scare me, very very much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-52622042880082682462011-06-23T19:56:28.359-04:002011-06-23T19:56:28.359-04:00Richard: Your effort is noble and commendable. Don...Richard: Your effort is noble and commendable. Don't waste your energies to extend opportunity where it is unwarranted. Those who wish to hate will do so regardless of objective realities. The rest of us are quite satisfied with the truth.Shel_TRnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-66276475196181642302011-06-23T00:58:01.834-04:002011-06-23T00:58:01.834-04:00An individual has evidently been tracking this sto...An individual has evidently been tracking this story and is leaving the same comment about the web, trying to intimidate bloggers. I've been leaving this response on some blogs and again, invite the person to have the courage to come forward, on the record, if they feel there is anything untrue - if they go on the record, I'll give them an opportunity to say their piece, but there's no way of checking it if they remain anonymous.<br /><br />---- ----- ---<br /><br />As it happens a good deal of investigation did go into the article. Social Work Dean Mishna was informed that I would proceed with it and I asked her to correct any of the substance of Professor Lightman’s account that she thought was factually wrong. All she did was to correct the date of an incident from 2008 to 2009. She also sent out 2 letters condemning anti-Semitism in the department as a result of the incidents in Bhuyan’s class. If nothing happened, why did those letters go out? Bhuyan has not responded to a request to comment.<br /><br />I gave this anonymous person, whose comment came from the Sherbourne Street Health Centre in Toronto (I can track those things) which was already notorious for posting an anti-Israel essay contest back in 2008, (http://womenslens.blogspot.com/2008/03/anti-israel-essay-contest-scrubbed.html) an opportunity to respond on the record. He/she failed to do so, whereas Professors Lightman and Chambon have had the courage to publicly expose this matter.<br /><br />By extension, this person is alleging that Professor Adreinne Chambon lied to me in the interview she gave me and from which I quoted her. So let’s see if this <br />"Factor Inwentash Graduate, MSW '10" has the guts to come forward, without hiding behind a pseudonym, to state what he/she claims happened.<br /><br />I think this person is nothing more than an anonymous coward trying to intimidate people out of telling the truth. If that’s not the case let them come forward, on the record, the way that Ernie Lightman and Adrienne Chambon have.Richard Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10239826441964023625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-75776271065592501402011-06-22T22:25:21.465-04:002011-06-22T22:25:21.465-04:00I think Bhuyan should be fired. She is disgusting ...I think Bhuyan should be fired. She is disgusting to speak of Jews in this way and U of T is endorsing her speech by not responding. Historically, when Jews leave, it usually hurts a country or establishment. I suggest that Jews chose another university for study. Let U of T not make it in the university ratings. That would be what they deserve!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-19301096725429825002011-06-22T18:14:35.926-04:002011-06-22T18:14:35.926-04:00WE now have 2 comments alleging that the account i...WE now have 2 comments alleging that the account in the article is false but have not provided a single fact as to how it is allegedly false. Under the circumstances, I can't take that any more seriously than I would take any other anonymous comment from the Internet.<br /><br /> If Professor Bhuyan has been treated unfairly and if the report is inaccurate, I would be anxious to correct it, and if someone with direct knowledge of the incident(s) is wiling to go on the record, I would relate it verbatim.<br /><br /> What we do know for a fact:<br /><br /> - Professors Bhuyan and Chambon, who have gone on record, spoke directly with people involved.<br /><br /> - Professor Chambon spoke directly to Bhuyan and reported what was quoted in the article to me,<br /><br /> - Dean Faye Mishna sent out two letters denouncing anti-Semitism as a result of the events in Bhuyan's class. If these reports are "gross distortions of statements and facts," why did she do that?<br /><br /> So far, the two comments claiming Professor Lightman's account isn't accurate have not proved that in any way, nor have they provided anything in the way of an alternate account.<br /><br /> Which, compared to two highly credible professors and the absence of a denial of the incidents from U of T, we just have empty words from someone relying on what they think is the anonymity of the Internet.<br /><br /> Again, if Profesor Bhuyan has been done an injustice, I would be anxious to correct it, but until someone is prepared to do so on the record with facts, no one is going to take them seriously.Richard Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10239826441964023625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-2842093008408343312011-06-22T17:47:06.912-04:002011-06-22T17:47:06.912-04:00Hello Richard,
I wouldn't expect anyone to fe...Hello Richard,<br /><br />I wouldn't expect anyone to feel comfortable to come forward and address these allegations given the gross distortions of statements and facts you and others have already perpetuated. <br /><br />How Prof. Lightman's original letter was given any merit at all based on his own admission of lack of evidence and information is beyond me.<br /><br />Again, those cycling these outright fictionalizations should reflect on the responsibility they have to report information directly and accurately from those who were there, or retract their statements entirely.<br /><br />So far, I see no evidence of that. Simply a witch hunt.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-26254010531921285822011-06-22T17:19:00.396-04:002011-06-22T17:19:00.396-04:00That's a fascinating comment "Factor Inwe...That's a fascinating comment "Factor Inwentash Graduate, MSW 10" . If indeed it is true, I would urge you to contact me at voltaire@hotmail.ca so that you can detail what you allege really happened.<br /><br />I emailed Bhuyan, informing her that I was going to write about Professor Lightman's account in the Journal for the Study of Antisemitism and she failed to respond. I exchanged emails with Profesor Mishna and at no point did she dispute the substance of the incidents as relayed by Professor Lightman, nor did the University Administration.<br /><br />Are you alleging that Professor Chambon was lying about her conversation with Professor Bhuyan?<br /><br />Professors Lightman and Chambon have had the courage to go on the record with their accounts and no one, other than you, who so far have chosen to remain anonymous, has disputed their account. If indeed you are telling the truth, I would urge you to contact me at the email address above with your contact information so I can get the other side of the story, if there is one.<br /><br />Your account of "This story which has been fictionalized by Prof. Lightman, who was not a witness to the original allegations, is being grossly misrepresented and propagated over the internet and is based in lies" is too vague and unspecific to be taken seriously of itself.Richard Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10239826441964023625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-62223508293311888902011-06-22T16:39:43.500-04:002011-06-22T16:39:43.500-04:00Hello All,
I was a student in those classes where...Hello All,<br /><br />I was a student in those classes where the alleged anti-semitism occurred. This story which has been fictionalized by Prof. Lightman, who was not a witness to the original allegations, is being grossly misrepresented and propagated over the internet and is based in lies. Maybe you should do some investigative journalism and check your facts before you fictionalize quotes and content.<br /><br />In the meantime you are engaged in a witch hunt and bent on destroying an innocent professor's career. Simply irresponsible and liable for a law suit.<br /><br />-Factor Inwentash Graduate, MSW '10Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-51529328589183612902011-06-21T02:02:20.565-04:002011-06-21T02:02:20.565-04:00Fire Bhuyan immediately. No other way. Failure to ...Fire Bhuyan immediately. No other way. Failure to do so implies endorsement. U of T, you should be ashamed of yourselves, to let this continue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-14654557117433402312011-06-20T22:53:56.789-04:002011-06-20T22:53:56.789-04:00Bhuyan is an idiot. Some of the comments here are ...Bhuyan is an idiot. Some of the comments here are stupid too;<br /><br />"Anonymous" said "Look guys... what happened is bad, but the problem is that now Jewish people are showing off in every public setting they appear whether it's media, politics, education,...,"<br /><br />What does this even mean? Do Jews go around shouting "I'm a Jew f**k you?" No. What does this even mean? Obviously our very existance offends this guy.<br /><br />" and you always get the impression they are continuously victimized and at the same time they are the smartest and most entitled of all peoples."<br /><br />The 2 aren't mutually exclusive. <br /><br />"So I don't see any bit of self-critique and reflection from them, it's like they don't care about what other people are or think."<br /><br />Aha, so basically unless we act just the way you want us to act there's a problem with our behaviour? <br /><br />'Look for comparison at the Japanese people, they are revered all over the planet, although they were badly defeated and lost a lot in the WW2."<br /><br />So? I don't know what your point is? The Talmud is taught in School in Korea, Jews are revered too. Does the fact that Papuans aren't revered make them bad people? You being illogical.<br /><br />"They just came back onto the world stage and become much better without any fanfare and without any complaining. Can you say the same about Israelis? People are even confused now when they think "Jewish": maybe first it's compassion for the fact that 6 million were killed in WW2, but on the other hand it's the 40 years of Jewish oppression in Middle East..."<br /><br />Without getting into the rights and wrongs of the conflict, no one blames all Muslims because of Terrorism, so why blame or Jews for anything?<br /><br />"Can you affirm your identity without being in everyone's face all around the clock and all around the world?"<br /><br />Oh, just for you, sure...<br /><br />"I'm telling you: the guys you're against are multiplying way faster than you. And those numbers will really count in a social confrontation (you'll wish that Jew count be bigger then - bad joke). Please try and make peace with them before it's too late."<br /><br />Sounds like a threat to me. So basically what's right and just doesn't matter its all about numbers? In other words give into blackmail?<br /><br />Another post that annoyed me, by David critiquing what Mark said;<br /><br />"Mark: Some "visible minority students," eh? LOL. I wager $1000 that they were "North African."<br /><br />Wonderful - protesting bigotry and racism with... bigotry and racism. Are you an idiot?"<br /><br />First, I think Mark means "middle-east" not just "north african" but David represents all thats wrong with the Jewish response to Islamic Anti-Semitism. All major surveys of Anti-semitism and anti-semitic acts in Europe and North America show Middle Easterners causing most of the problems against Jews. So, Mark is right. David has a problem with reality not with Mark. I would suggest you attack the anti-semites rather than Mark for his observation of them David. Also, how is a Jew observing that many Arabs hate Jews "racist" anyway? What are the racial differences between Jews and Arabs? None. The problem with left wing Jews is they think everyone thinks like they do and tolerate intolerance. <br /><br />David please look at survey data eg http://pewresearch.org/Steve Bronfmannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-77938969798080348502011-06-20T20:07:57.598-04:002011-06-20T20:07:57.598-04:00"Prof" Bhuyan, by her very presence, sul..."Prof" Bhuyan, by her very presence, sullies the memory of Professor Allan Rose, z'l, one of the Fathers of the UofT School of Social Work. Born into an impoverished Jewish family he shone as the light on the scene of racial integration. In case the misguided "Prof" Bhuyan is not sure who he was I would direct her to read up on his work on behalf of poor blacks through Africville in Halifax.<br />In the meantime, her salary should be pro-rated and the portion contributed by Rich Jews deducted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-22557436414924415432011-06-20T18:04:21.582-04:002011-06-20T18:04:21.582-04:00Social Work is, like race and gender, merely a con...Social Work is, like race and gender, merely a construct:) Close the department down. Heck, close the universities. Intellectual life is impossible in such politicized environments.Richard Morchoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14884103775820347526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-6913765832118848062011-06-19T12:01:25.545-04:002011-06-19T12:01:25.545-04:00Coming from an affluent area that was about 40 per...Coming from an affluent area that was about 40 percent Jewish... I have first hand knowledge of how class wars always wind their way into race/ethnic/cultural wars. One very undereducated rug rat spray painted a swastika on a temple - was caught, and his punishment besides painting the temple, was to attend the temple... to learn what a synagogue does, learn about the holocaust, learn about social injustice and why hate is dangerous. I am sure he's a changed kid.<br /><br />I also remember when a group of the poorer students from the other side of "tracks" (was actually a highway that differentiated the wealthy from the working poor) started handing out pamphlets from an organization touting to be the neo nazis. It said black men wanted to get white women pregnant, hispanics were going to overrun our world with children and they do this by having 12 or 14 kids per woman and are supported by our tax dollars, Jews control all of the oil in the world (that's actually laughable as Israel doesn't have oil and all of the oil magnates are WASPS) Our principal at the time didn't do anything to stop these kids from handing out their literature, didn't suspend them, didn't even make an effort to remove it from the desks in each class. We had no other alternative than to call B'nai Brith, Anti-defamation league and the ACLU. Within 2 hours there were 2 lawyers sitting in his office. That's how you handle these types of things... call in the big guns!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-29498438686804957492011-06-19T01:40:42.722-04:002011-06-19T01:40:42.722-04:00Yes, jews are showing off and muslims are showing ...Yes, jews are showing off and muslims are showing off too. But in different ways. Their powers will collide in the future. Unless the chinese will kick everybody's bottoms in the mean time. As for the white man, he will degenerate more and more by drugs, alcohol and vices. It's just sad, man...<br />About the problem here. You're all using the word antisemitism. Why aren't you using the word racism instead? Your problem is that you see only Jews are offended, not any race. You should defend any race in this conflict, not only the Jews. Why? Because the offenders here likely will offend any other race different than theirs if they get a chance.<br />But how can you be impartial? Whenever you hear someone reproaching something to the Jews as a group you call them antisemite. Like the guy here who said: "If you believe Jewish people invite antisemitism (for whatever reason) you are a racist." So, if the Jews in Toronto suddenly occupied ChinaTown of Toronto you wouldn't say that invites to antisemitism? Look man. Whenever you do something that bothers me I will complain. Feel free to consider me racist, but that shows you just like the conflict. It would be more useful to analyse and try to solve what bothers me instead of abusing your power by ignoring my complaint.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601639312234106733.post-11037054084452540302011-06-18T11:26:14.996-04:002011-06-18T11:26:14.996-04:00"Rich Jews" in question should withdraw ..."Rich Jews" in question should withdraw all further funds. That should solve the problem because in the end the side with the money generally wins. It is an unfortunate course of action, but nevertheless it works.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com