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| It's All in the Perception |
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If there is a silver lining to the crisis that Israel is currently experiencing, it must be the improvement in the way that the average American perceives Israel.
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| See the View from the States archive for Mark Dollinger's view on aspects of doing business in the United States.
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Let me make it clear from the outset, I am presenting some generalized views from where I sit in the middle of America. These depictions do not necessarily help predict the behavior of any particular individual or group but rather serve as a way to understand some of the nuances of U.S. society. With those caveats out of the way, I'll share my observations on some of the prevalent views of Israel and Israelis in America today.
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| Israeli Society
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| |  | A Jew may not be an Israeli, but an Israeli is always viewed as a Jew. While secular Israelis may not view their religion as an intrinsic aspect of their persona, the typical American does. Ironically, in the United States where a legal separation of church and state is a cornerstone of the Constitution, religion still has a way of seeping into the way that Americans perceive people and events.
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| | | Overt, public displays of anti-Semitism are no longer politically correct in the United States. Certainly, beneath the surface anti-Semitism still simmers in some portions of U.S. society. It is more common in mainstream Christian denominations and among African-Americans than society as a whole. It remains prevalent only among the various hate groups that inhabit the fringes of society.
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| | | Evangelical and fundamentalist Christian denominations continue in their unwavering support of Israel. The fundamentalist community is not afraid to speak its mind in support of Israel and even to forcefully present its views to the President with whom they have open access and considerable influence. Indeed, President Bush identifies closely with the fundamentalists. It is worth mentioning that this community's support isn't necessarily tied to a love of the Jews but rather an interpretation of the role of Israel in the fulfillment of a number of biblical prophesies. However, a more positive view of the Jews is developing among the fundamentalists that puts forth the idea of their being a "covenanted people" to whom God has given the land of Israel.
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| | | All of Israel is viewed as a war zone. Coverage of Israel is a 24/7 U.S. media experience. Israel currently receives more media coverage than any other country in the world. Unfortunately, much of the coverage is of suicide bombers and incursions into the territories. Americans cannot differentiate between Ramallah and Ramla or Hebron and Haifa, and they believe that each bombing or military action brings the entire country to a standstill.
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| | | Terrorism is terrorism is terrorism. September 11 sensitized Americans to the horror of terrorism and terrorists. Only among the far left now do you hear the once common view of the oppressed Palestinian being subjugated by an overpowering Israeli aggressor.
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| | Israelis: Up Close and Personal
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| | | Israelis are viewed as overly aggressive and ready to argue at the drop of a hat.
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They are viewed as poor listeners who are unwilling to wait their turn to speak.
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On the more positive side, Israelis are viewed as technologically savvy and early adopters.
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| | | In business, Israelis are viewed as lacking a proper sense of urgency and discipline in their follow-through.
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| | The Take-Away Lessons
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What are the lessons you can take away from my observations?
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| | | Americans are fascinated with Israel. They are quick to engage Israelis in conversations about the land and the current political crisis. Since 9/11, Americans empathize strongly with the terrorism Israel faces.
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If the American across the table wants to open the meeting with a discussion of Israel, utilize it as an effective icebreaker. Not only can you take the opportunity to share your views, but you can also show the American that you are as interesting and intriguing as the land from which you came.
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Keep in mind some of the negative traits relating to the personality issues. America is a relatively quiet, polite society when compared to the boisterous, loud, argumentative society found in Israel.
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| | | Listen carefully and respectfully. If you do not know the answer to a question, don't be afraid to say you'll get back with the answer later — and do just that — quickly and effectively.
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If you have any marketing questions that you would like me to address in a future column, or have a comment about this column, drop me a line.
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Mark Dollinger
President
Trendlines America
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