"Okay, Mr. Critical. What's *your* solution?"

Intersectionality vs. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

This Venn diagram, which has recently been circulating online, is a perfect (and very funny) illustration of what happens when intersectional theory goes too far:

Now, I must admit that I have a weakness for a good “theory of everything.” There’s something seductive about a simple explanation for extraordinarily complex social and political problems. Answers give me hope: There is order beneath the chaos, meaning beyond the madness!

Problem is, this particular “explanation” — PALESTINE CONNECTS IT ALL! — suggests that Zionism is the central problem, the incarnation of all the world’s evils (racism, colonialism, capitalism, et. al.). But don’t despair! say the intersectionalists. The Jewish blood that was shed on October 7th will help free Palestine, which will ultimately save us all by washing away the sin of Israel. (Why does this story sound so familiar?)

This explanation is nuts, of course. Crazy talk. Total nonsense.

Oh, c’mon Alan! you say. Everything IS connected to everything else. Maybe not exactly as diagrammed above, but at least intersectional theory attempts to explain how power, identity, and oppression have shaped our past and present. So instead of smugly dismissing a good-faith attempt to make sense of our confusing world, why don’t you offer something constructive? Why not describe what you think is the root cause of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Hmmm… Okay. That’s fair. I hear you. Light a candle, don’t curse the darkness. Challenge accepted.

Here’s my suggested edit:

“Latent fraternal hostility?!”

I’ll let Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (ז״ל) explain:

(I’ve shared this video before, and I’ll certainly share it again. It’s superb. Please watch it. You’ll be glad you did.)

What do you think of the Rabbi’s theory about sibling rivalry? Does it ring true to you?

Before you answer, please consider a nugget of wisdom from this Jewish classic (Revised 😎):

Here’s an excerpt that highlights the wisdom of one of our tradition’s greatest sages — my Mom (ז״ל):

As for Rabbi Sacks and his emphasis on sibling relationships — I’m afraid the good Rabbi was late to this particular lesson.

More than 40 years ago, my Mom began preaching this message of fraternal connection and brotherly love to her two sons.

Here it is — Mom’s complete sermon, which took the form of one simple question that she’d ask me whenever I phoned or visited:

Mom was always more concise than Rabbi Sacks. 😊