KALTĖ – METAFIZINĖ DUOTYBĖ AR KONSTRUOJAMAS JAUSMAS: ŽYDŲ KALTĖS MOTYVAI LIETUVIŲ PERIODIKOJE 1922–1940 METAIS
GUILT: A METAPHYSICAL GIVEN OR A CONSTRUCTED FEELING? THE MOTIVES OF JEWISH GUILT IN LITHUANIAN PERIODICALS FROM 1922 TO 1940

Summary/Abstract: This article analyzes publications of Lithuanian periodicals from 1922 to 1940 that deal with Lithuanian – Jewish relations. Ever since Lithuanian periodicals started to be published regularly, the relations between Jews and Lithuanians were presented as problematic. This was due to historical and cultural traditions, as well as the opportunity Lithuanians got to become an independent country in a rapidly forming and changing modern world. Two concepts of guilt are discussed in the article: guilt as an inbuilt feature that could not be avoided; and guilt as a socially constructed feeling when one national group presumes to create a framework for the social and cultural activities of another national group and when, the latter group not fitting into the given scheme, it is reproached and presented with evidence of its failure. In the first case, two traditions may be identified. One is that of anti-Judaism, which alleges that Jews have been living in error since the dawn of Christianity and have therefore tried to harm Christians and to overcome them. The second tradition presents Jews as a “race” created with inborn defects by nature itself; hence they are unable to live in harmony but are led by their very nature to engage in destruction. Thus the Jews create confusion and at the same time claim that they themselves are the most discriminated against and troubled people. Another group of sources suggests a slightly different approach: the idea that Lithuanian – Jewish relations are problematic remains, yet the nature of these relations would change if Jews accepted Lithuanian requirements. However, the Jews are presented as purblind in this respect: they do not want to learn and use the Lithuanian language; but they advocate unacceptable ideologies and seek only their own benefit, or even create plans to take over the whole world.

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