Electronic Intifada, 19 May 2015
Rather, Levy puts forward an analysis of the ways in which literature and language have operated in the dark corners of this power-ridden, unequal environment. In doing so she raises the possibility of these fringes of literature and society exerting wider influence, radically disrupting the exclusiveness of Jewish Israeli identity.
Levy is never starry-eyed about this project. She fully acknowledges that despite claims from some activists about the cultural overlaps between Palestinians and Mizrahim, in many cases the opposite is true. Mizrahi Israelis have often responded to their marginalization by trying to outdo Ashkenazim in anti-Arab sentiments, voting for extreme-right parties and asserting their social differences.
The full review can be read here.
A nice review, thanks Sarah. The following is especially apt: “Mizrahi Israelis have often responded to their marginalization by trying to outdo Ashkenazim in anti-Arab sentiments, voting for extreme-right parties and asserting their social differences.” I understand Fanon has accounted for this phenomenon in Black Skin, White Masks. Looking forward to reading more about that.