site banner

Israel-Gaza Megathread #2

This is a refreshed megathread for any posts on the conflict between (so far, and so far as I know) Hamas and the Israeli government, as well as related geopolitics. Culture War thread rules apply.

6
Jump in the discussion.

No email address required.

random bullshit: activist greta thunberg posted a picture of herself supporting gaza. sharp eyed observers noticed the subtle dogwhistle in the background of a blue octopus plushie, and she's been forced to delete it and apologize for this dangerous display of antisemitism.

I have a genuine question, because I haven't been able to find a reliable answer:

Is the "blue octopus" actually an anti-Semitic dogwhiste, like, anywhere? Or is this an association that was just invented yesterday to pile on Greta Thunberg?

I've seen the infamous Nazi cartoon, of course, and it's not unique, but octopuses have long been used to symbolize conspiracies. A fishy alien thing with lots of tentacles reaching everywhere makes a pretty convenient metaphor for any group you're accusing of being sinister infiltrators.

I have never before yesterday, however, seen the claim that blue octopus plushies, specifically, are some sort of secret mascot used by white nationalists.

If they are, I seriously doubt that Thunberg was aware of it and deliberately signaling her own hatred of Jews. So this seems a lot like people freaking out over the "okay" signal.

I also suspect that, just like the "okay" signal, we're now going to see actual white nationalists unironically adopting blue octopus plushies as mascots.

I assume that it is people who were accused of dogwhistling or liking people who were accused of dogwhistling - and now doing the same to other tribe.

Is the "blue octopus" actually an anti-Semitic dogwhiste, like, anywhere?

If anything it would be about octopus in Jew-adjacent context, not blue octopuses specifically. But it is really reaching, especially as it is quite cute one unlike say NROL-39 "Nothing Is Beyond Our Reach" one. And its colour does not even match blue on Israel flag.

If it would be sinister looking octopus maybe I could treat it seriously. This looks like dead bird shitposting. Maybe even understandable one if she accused others of dogwhistling with similarly tortured reasoning.

I assume that it is people who were accused of dogwhistling or liking people who were accused of dogwhistling - doing the same for the other side.

I think it's people who were doing dogwhistle accusations continuing to accuse people of dogwhistling. By a twist of fate, the target of the accusation are their former, and possibly future allies.

Good point, have not considered that and stupidly assumed just two tribes. I guess it may be bit of both.