During the years when Steiner was best known as a literary critic, he published a series of articles attacking various manifestations of antisemitism and criticizing some of the most prominent anti-Semites of the time as “barbaric” and “enemies of culture”.[329][330] In contrast, however, Steiner also promoted full assimilation of the Jewish people into the nations in which they lived, suggesting that Jewish cultural and social life had lost its contemporary relevance[331] and “that Judaism still exists is an error of history”.
This bit feels very reminiscent of the “kill the Indian to save the man” type of racism that led to residential schools. Sure, he may not have thought there was an immutable negative quality associated with race, but he seems to have been a cultural supremacist.
Given that we now know that race isn’t real, I struggle to see the actual difference.
His belief that race and ethnicity are transient and superficial, and not essential aspects of the individual,[313] was partly rooted in his conviction that each individual reincarnates in a variety of different peoples and races over successive lives, and that each of us thus bears within him or herself the heritage of many races and peoples.
He presented explicitly hierarchical views of the spiritual evolution of different races,[315] including—at times, and inconsistently—portraying the white race, European culture or Germanic culture as representing the high point of human evolution as of the early 20th century, although he did describe them as destined to be superseded by future cultures.
Sounds like he held racist ideals, that were very influenced by scientific racism. But also contradicting himself as his other ideals of human individuality clashed with his own racism, so at times he ‘seemed opposed’ to racism.
waz@feddit.uk 2 weeks ago
I’ve never read that before, doesn’t appear racist , even opposing racism in much of the text.
prettybunnys@piefed.social 2 weeks ago
One of his beliefs was that Judaism still existing was a failure to assimilate.
goldenbug@fedia.io 2 weeks ago
I'd say this was pretty on the nose
idiomaddict@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
This bit feels very reminiscent of the “kill the Indian to save the man” type of racism that led to residential schools. Sure, he may not have thought there was an immutable negative quality associated with race, but he seems to have been a cultural supremacist.
Given that we now know that race isn’t real, I struggle to see the actual difference.
piccolo@sh.itjust.works 2 weeks ago
Sounds like he held racist ideals, that were very influenced by scientific racism. But also contradicting himself as his other ideals of human individuality clashed with his own racism, so at times he ‘seemed opposed’ to racism.
waz@feddit.uk 2 weeks ago
I read all of the wiki article, not just the quoted parts.
piccolo@sh.itjust.works 2 weeks ago
I did. Thus my assessment.