[Becca Mahoney]

Since October 7 and the unfortunate shift of right-wing antisemitism into mainstream conservative circles, I have been exposed more and more to the trope of “There is a cabal of Jews/Zionists controlling DC and the media, and the banks.” (Forgive me if I’m wrong, but this specific trope seems to be slightly more common in right wing antisemitism than left wing antisemitism, which seems to focus more on labeling Jews as “white colonizers” and insisting that they originated in Europe than painting them as, essentially, The Villains of eternity.)

In instances where I have seen especially bad examples of this disgusting antisemitism, I have fought back in the comments section, answering with logic. I have also taken screenshots of especially heinous examples so that I can share them with friends and family and raise awareness. But I think the most important thing is to be prepared in an instance not online, but in everyday life (the internet isn’t real life, after all) to speak up if these tropes are being used and treated as acceptable in society. The antidote to bad speech is better speech. I believe it is the right thing to do to speak up calmly with facts and logic in these situations. It may not have any effect on the person employing the trope, but those listening are sure to be impacted.