Understanding the cognitive dissonance behind the demonization

  • Hamas’s atrocities lead to increased hatred of Israel
  • Left-wing circles intensify denunciations of Israel
  • Demonization of Israel follows worst atrocities against it
  • Criticism of Israel resurfaces after Palestinian suicide-bombing campaign
  • International organizations label Israel as an ‘apartheid’ state
  • United Nations conference in Durban focuses on denunciation of Israel

Factuality Level: 2
Justification: The article contains biased language and presents a one-sided perspective. It uses inflammatory language to demonize opponents of Israel and makes sweeping generalizations without providing evidence or balanced analysis.

Noise Level: 2
Justification: The article starts with a biased and inflammatory title, suggesting that killing the innocent is part of the plan for Hamas and Putin. It then goes on to make sweeping generalizations about left-wing circles and their denunciations of Israel without providing any evidence or examples. The article also brings up unrelated events from the early 2000s to support its claims. Overall, the article lacks intellectual honesty, evidence, and stays on topic.

Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe any extreme events.

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In the wake of Hamas’s Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, one might expect opponents of the Jewish state to reconsider their attacks. However, the opposite has occurred. Elite left-wing circles, from college campuses to mainstream media outlets, have responded to the terror group’s barbarism by intensifying their denunciations of Israel. This pattern is not new. Throughout history, the worst atrocities against Israel have been followed by increased demonization of the Jewish state. For example, during the Palestinian suicide-bombing campaign in the early 2000s, criticism of Israel resurfaced and international organizations revived the claim that Israel is an ‘apartheid’ state. The United Nations even held a conference in Durban, South Africa, in 2001, which focused heavily on denouncing Israel. This phenomenon can be attributed to a cognitive dissonance reduction strategy, where vilifying the victim becomes necessary to uphold pre-existing prejudices.