In the nineteenth century, anthropologists, eager to discover the origins of and demarcations between different “races”, regularly looked to the Jews – believed to be a pure and long-existing race – to test their theories. Taking these early anthropological ideas we can see how modern race theory was constructed. This lecture will deal with notions of racial purity, racial origins and the desire of pioneer anthropologists to “sort out” different racial groups. Professor Stone will conclude by connecting the discussion with today’s attempts to discover “Jewish genes” and to develop ethnically-directed medicine.
Our work shows how antisemitism has often been intertwined with anti-Muslim, anti-migrant, anti-black and anti-Irish bigotries. Antisemitism and other racisms should not be considered in isolation and still less in competition.
Professor David Feldman, Director