Stigmatizing being Palestinian/speaking about Palestine by deeming it controversial and uncomfortable, and creating inherent controversy or ‘taboo-ness’ about an entire people and their supporters.

What are some examples of this?

• Hearing something like, “Don’t mention you’re Palestinian and you’ll be fine,” is a common experience for Palestinians in the diaspora; 

• Institutions shutting down Palestinian cultural or advocacy events without cause, citing unusual ‘safety’ or ‘scheduling’ challenges;

• Media Biases against Palestinians means they are rarely, if ever, given the opportunity to self-advocate, and their oppression is framed as inevitable or unchangeable;

• Even being told, “Your heritage is Palestinian? That’s so controversial!”

What are the impacts of this?

• This taught Palestinians it’s better to self-silence and not self-identify as a Palestinian in order to avoid negative repercussions;

• Many who do self-identify are punished for being Palestinian, through denigration and dismissiveness, loss of opportunities, defamation, and more;

• This evolves into ‘McCarthyism’ where Palestinians and their supporters are ‘outed’ as traitors, persecuted, and ostracised.

What are some responses to this?

• It should go without saying that no one’s identity is inherently controversial or negative, Palestinians included. If you feel like Palestinian voices inherently cause discomfort, you must examine your biases;

• However, more and more diaspora Palestinians are rejecting the imposed silence and are pushing for justice and recognition;

• Palestinians have every right to be proud of their people’s steadfastness, culture, history, intelligence, compassion, and more.