Sneering critics like Noam Chomsky, who condemn the executioners of thousands only in passing, would not hesitate to honour the vengeful feelings of Palestinians subjected to Israeli occupation. They have no standing. --Todd Gitlin, September 23, 2001 [217]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Gitlin criticizes Chomsky for not honoring Palestinian feelings despite condemning Israeli occupiers lightly.
- In plain terms
- He criticizes killers lightly but validates Palestinian anger.
- What can you take from it?
- Selective condemnation undermines standing.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does he have standing?
- Why this selective stance?
Another view
It assumes equal condemnation is required for standing.
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