Talk:Semite

Was this article created in good faith?

The entire concept of "Semites" to collectively describe various ethnic groups from the Middle East has been fragrantly abused by scientific racists and antisemites, both historically and currently. The term is obsolete in the present day for good reason, and it's usually thrown around by fringe extremists like Louis Farrakhan or Ukronazis. Also, for this reason, the term "anti-Semite" should be deprecated, since not all Jews are "Semitic"; Jewish people don't refer to themselves as "Semites," but the term is applied to them occasionally by antisemites. —LT ^{(Mark 8:36)} Wednesday, 10:57, January 18, 2023 (EST)

It's one of those terms that was a misnomer from the beginning, but took on a new meaning. In the case of applying political correctness to Gypsies, renaming them Roma, seems to have gained some traction in Europe, but leaves Americans confused. RobS^{Give Peace a chance} 17:30, January 18, 2023 (EST)

Can you please perhaps elaborate? —LT ^{(Mark 8:36)} Wednesday, 17:34, January 18, 2023 (EST)

Both terms originated in France. I'd have to do some more research to recall details.

Technically, both terms are misnomers. Arabs and Jews are all Semites - sons of Shem. Gypsies were originally thought to have come from Egypt, hence the name. Later research theorizes they came from India. But even the name "Roma" is confusing, cause it confuses them with Romania, where many Gypsies first settled in Europe after their long trek across Persia and Turkey. As I understand it, the movement to retitle them as "Roma" over the past 2 decades is because that's what they call themselves, which itself may be a misnomer. RobS^{Give Peace a chance} 18:47, January 18, 2023 (EST)

"Roma", like today's alleged "Ukrainians", is a good example of what happens to a people with no historical literary traditions. RobS^{Give Peace a chance} 18:50, January 18, 2023 (EST)

Interesting; I didn't know that before. —LT ^{(Mark 8:36)} Wednesday, 18:52, January 18, 2023 (EST)

The story of the Roma remains hazy, but I'll try to summarize one predominant theory in as least offensive terms as possible.

After Mohammad, Islam spread rapidly Sometime about the 12th century (I think) the powers that be in India heard about the spread and feared Islam knocking on the door after the fall of Persia. So they rounded up all the dregs of society, thieves, drunkards, etc., and forced them to immigrate westward in attempt to slow the Muslim advance (they figured these unwanted troublemakers would occupy Muslims for some time trying to deal with them). They were essentially a nameless, faceless mob of some 15,000. Wherever they went, they were rootless and unwanted. Over the centuries, they continued their trek westward, reached Romania, France, Germany, Spain, and the U.S. They probably did not originate as a single ethnic or linguistic group in India, but became a common people with a common identity during their long journeys over time. Again, this is what happens to a people with no literary tradition. RobS^{Give Peace a chance} 19:09, January 18, 2023 (EST)