: a person who supports the principles of capitalism, an
economic and political system based on private or corporate
ownership of production and profits as opposed to public or
state ownership
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
Jews have been accused of puppeteering the world economy
for centuries, having been associated with money since the
Middle Ages when commerce, trade, and other financial
industries were the only professions Jews were allowed
to have. As capitalism replaced other traditional forms of
commerce, the association of Jews with money remained (see greed).
Graffiti artist Mear One’s “Freedom
for Humanity” mural depicting white
male capitalists, several who are
Jewish (see Jewish features) as the
enemy of the good. London, 2012.
While capitalism and communism are each terms that
describe an economic philosophy and worldview that have
been embraced by millions of people and served to define
the two adversaries of the Cold War which dominated the
20th century, when an adjective is added and the terms
become Jewish capitalist or Jewish communist (see Jewish
communist), the meanings change.
Blaming Jews as “greedy capitalists” or for being at fault
for capitalism’s woes is a form of economic antisemitism.
Economic antisemitism is a classic trope based on the alleged economic
status and financial behavior of Jews. It can also transcend into
government policies which target Jews based on perceived
economic practices.