Congress Members are Taking Action Against Twitch Streamer Hasan Piker
Democrats and Republicans often have disagreements, but Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Rep. Mike Lawler came forward with a bipartisan solution targeted against Twitch streamer Hasan Piker. It seems that the common ground will not be met in healthcare or tax policies. Rather, the two parties have united against a non-government official, whom they perceive to be antisemitic.
Piker has often been accused of anti-Semitism by Fox News as well as The Wall Street Journal. He’s most certainly not a mainstream media darling. Nevertheless, some daring Democratic Party members have been in contact with the streamer, who identifies as a socialist. But not all Democrats approve of Piker, as this recent move by Gottheimer showed.
The resolution is titled ‘Condemning antisemitic hate-filled rhetoric and content disseminated by prominent online personalities, and urging social media platforms and public leaders to denounce and address such conduct.’
Although against antisemitism, the bill only targets Hasan Piker and Candace Owens. The resolution alleged that Piker “has often used antisemitic rhetoric, including expressing support for Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization.” It would cite Piker’s words from stream, which portray him as an antisemite.
Controversial claims from Hasan Piker
They also brought up Piker’s infamous words, where he claimed America brought 9/11 upon itself. It’s a highly controversial clip that went viral online, specifically on podcasts. The clip also made its way to Fox News. But Piker would later clarify that he was referring to America’s destabilization of the Middle East as the reason behind 9/11. He also refuted the assumption that he believes those who died in the tragedy deserved to.
The resolution also referenced Piker’s support for the militant group Hamas over Israel. Piker doesn’t deny his support for Hamas over Israel. He stood by the controversial claim and explained that in his view, Israel is an apartheid state that oppresses Palestinians. Therefore, Piker supports Palestinian self-determination.
Although she has also criticized Israel and rightfully called the situation in Gaza a genocide, Owens has also perpetuated conspiracy theories about Jewish people. In her latest Michael Jackson episode, she theorized that Jewish people around Michael Jackson were responsible for defaming him. It enforces the stereotype that Jewish people own the media industry, and Jackson couldn’t defend himself from the smears.
Essentially, conflating both streamers under a bipartisan resolution against antisemitism, given the differences between them, is poorly thought of.
Social media points out the irony
Is this an issue Congress should be so pressed about? Other senators had also put forth a resolution aimed against Nick Fuentes, but he hadn’t been permanently deplatformed over his legitimate hate speech. Even if it is out of principle that they do this, social media thinks that this is not a matter for Congress to focus on.
One social media user said in response to the resolution, “People can’t afford gas, food, or rent.”
YouTuber Matt Bernstein wrote, “congress when millions of americans ask for our tax dollars to fund healthcare instead of bombs.” He attached a meme saying, “the best I can do is condemn hasan piker.”
People are fatigued where platitudes are concerned—they want resolutions that will positively impact their day-to-day lives.
Attacks Piker but fails to censure their colleagues
Why would Gottheimer and Lawler spend time and effort in an attempt to censor two streamers?
Both parties couldn’t even come together to censure their colleagues, who’ve made offensive comments against Muslims in America. Not too long ago, a sitting member of the US Congress, Rep. Andy Ogles, plainly said that Muslims don’t belong in America.
Not only is that highly offensive, but it comes from someone who has been voted into Congress. It’s arguably far more concerning compared to what online podcasters can ever say, as this is a man with political power. Before both parties come and lecture social media commentators, they should first do some sweeping in their home court.
But even then, Congress shouldn’t be busy with the pursuit to censor random streamers who aren’t even in the government. If this is all they can do, then their priorities are misplaced.
(featured image: Hasan Minhaj)
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