The Cases of Riley and Rooney: Intersections of Misogyny with Antisemitism and Counter Speech in British Online Discourse
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Abstract
Despite the benefits of the intersectional approach to antisemitism studies, it seems to have been given little attention so far. This chapter compares the online reactions to two UK news stories, both centred around the common theme of cultural boycott of Israel in support of the BDS movement, both with a well-known female figure at the centre of media coverage, only one of which identifies as Jewish. In the case of British television presenter Rachel Riley, a person is attacked for being female as well as Jewish, with misogyny compounding the antisemitic commentary. In the case of the Irish writer Sally Rooney, misogynistic discourse is used to strengthen the message countering antisemitism. The contrastive analysis of the two datasets, with references to similar analyses of media stories centred around well-known men, illuminates the relationships between the two forms of hate, revealing that—even where the antisemitic attitudes overlap— misogynistic insults and disempowering or undermining language are being weaponised on both sides of the debate, with additional characterisation of Riley as a “grifter” and Rooney as “naive”.
More research comparing discourses around Jewish and non-Jewish women is needed to ascertain whether this pattern is consistent; meanwhile, the many analogies in the abuse suffered by both groups can perhaps serve a useful purpose: shared struggles can foster understanding needed to then notice the particularised prejudice. By including more than one hate ideology in the research design, intersectionality offers exciting new approaches to studies of antisemitism and, more broadly, of
hate speech or discrimination.
More research comparing discourses around Jewish and non-Jewish women is needed to ascertain whether this pattern is consistent; meanwhile, the many analogies in the abuse suffered by both groups can perhaps serve a useful purpose: shared struggles can foster understanding needed to then notice the particularised prejudice. By including more than one hate ideology in the research design, intersectionality offers exciting new approaches to studies of antisemitism and, more broadly, of
hate speech or discrimination.
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Antisemitism: Online Anti-Antisemitism Main Topic: Antisemitism Gender Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Newspapers, Magazines and Periodicals Social Media Jewish Perceptions of Antisemitism Misogyny
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enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium
or format, so long as attribution is given to the creator. The license allows for commercial
use. CC BY includes the following elements: credit must be given to the creator.
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19-46
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The Cases of Riley and Rooney: Intersections of Misogyny with Antisemitism and Counter Speech in British Online Discourse. . 2024: 19-46. https://archive.jpr.org.uk/10.11647/obp.0406.01
