Antisemitism and Destigmatizing Counteractions in the Public Sphere: Affect, Power, and Performativity Post-October 7th 2023

Session Submission Type: Panel Session

Abstract

In the aftermath of the pivotal events of October 7th, 2023, this panel delves into the intricate dynamics of antisemitism and its counteractions, through the prism of affect, power, and performativity. The panelists’ contributions explore diverse dimensions of this triangulation through different media , artistic process, negotiated through different “performances” of Jewish identity and belonging in the public sphere.
The first paper scrutinizes the performative nature of identity politics on social media platforms following October 7th, spotlighting the polarized narratives of pro-Israel and pro-Palestine advocates. Utilizing an analysis of user-generated content and interactions on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, the paper illuminates how individual activism is shaped by performative gestures, often lacking in depth and nuance. It underscores the challenges of fostering genuine dialogue amidst the performative dynamics and echo chamber effect of social media algorithms.
Building upon this exploration, the second paper investigates the performing aspects of sonic (re)animation initiatives of Jewish repertoires and their pivotal role in destigmatizing antisemitic rhetoric. Through an examination of musical-liturgical practices and performances, with a particular emphasis on musicking by Jewish women of color, with Middle Eastern roots, the paper draws on ethnographic instances of musical performances to illustrate how these initiatives have the potential to counter politically expedient narratives and promote Jewish diversity and agency. Emphasizing a queering process of sonic reclamation and gendered transformation, these initiatives not only articulate Jewish communal identity but also challenge and subvert the performativity of dominant norms and stereotypes through performance interventions.
The third paper shifts the focus to qualitative interviews with contemporary artists whose positionalities navigate Jewish and Queer (dis)identifications. Through a reparative reading of their artistic approaches, the paper explores how these artists engage in performative acts that contribute to the (re)emergence of iridescent Jewish archetypes, defying fixed categorizations and challenging normative constructs. By mobilizing queeridescent Jewish archetypes in their artistic endeavors, these artists envision transformed convivialities and cultivate agency through performances of de-stigmatization.
Collectively, these papers offer a comprehensive examination of “performative” antisemitism and destigmatizing counteractions in the post-October 7th, 2023 landscape, highlighting the centrality of performativity in shaping identity politics, as well as musical interventions, and artistic expressions aimed at challenging dominant narratives and the Jewish identities marginalized by such narratives, fostering healing, inclusive futures-oriented conversations.

Sub Unit

• Interdisciplinary Approaches

Chair

• Leslie Morris, University of Minnesota

Individual Presentations

• Polarization and Performative Activism: Identity Politics in Post-October 7th Discourse on Israel-Palestine on Social Media - Kathryn Huether, UCLA

• Performing De-stigmatization: Contesting Antisemitism and Polarized Narratives in the Public Sphere through Sonic and Musical Activism - Miranda Crowdus, Concordia University

• Queeridescent Jewish Archetypes in the Works of a Few Contemporary Artists - Sacha Kagan, University of Hildesheim

Zoom Host

• Zoom Host 07