Metaphors are linguistic tools that evoke specific images to help us understand concepts by comparing them with something familiar. Social science researchers have found that the metaphors we use to describe problems have a significant but covert effect on our understanding of the nature of those problems, as well as powerfully influencing the solutions we believe are appropriate for solving them.
Because of this, and because of how frequently we use metaphors in speech and writing, it is instructive to examine the metaphors commonly used to describe an issue and consider how this language influences our understanding of the problems and our proposed solutions.
Two metaphors are commonly used by advocates across the political spectrum when describing antisemitism. These metaphors are so common that, before the original version of this guide began being put into practice, it was nearly impossible to find any examples of speech or writing about antisemitism that did not include one or both.
They are:
Antisemitism
as Water
“Antisemitism comes in waves . . .”
“We’re now experiencing a wave of violent antisemitism . . .”
“We push back against the rising tide of antisemitism…”
“Antisemitism is on the rise . . .”
“Antisemitism in America ebbs and flows . . .”
Antisemitism
as Disease
“ (Person) is a virulent anti-Semite . . . ”
“Antisemitism has infected the world . . .”
“ (Person) is spreading antisemitism . . . ”
“Antisemitism has different strains/mutations . . .”
Examples of Bad Metaphors in Use
