quote:

Not at all.

I'm a lifelong WASP, among the most "white privileged" as modern parlance puts it. There weren't many Jews around here where I grew up, but I worked for and with several Jewish businessmen, a lawyer or two. I was treated well, fairly, and had no problem with that.

Since then, I've dealt with hundreds, as clients, employers, employees, adversaries, all respectfully, mostly fairly (we're lawyers, after all!), and of course read extensively of the history of Europe.

So, then this asshole comes along and accuses me of being Jewish. My accuser meant to insult me. Instead, it caused me to think thoughts and realize perceptions that I had not had before, the sting of bigotry and prejudice. I understood what it felt like, a little.

I figured as much. I just wanted to hear the story. Thanks

Happy New Year ya'll! I was working a 12, of course. I feel older.

quote:

So, then this asshole comes along and accuses me of being Jewish. My accuser meant to insult me. Instead, it caused me to think thoughts and realize perceptions that I had not had before, the sting of bigotry and prejudice. I understood what it felt like, a little.

It is interesting to read that. I am not Jewish, but thinking of all the Jewish people I know, I wouldn't think of being mistaken for Jewish as an accusation. I suspect that "assholes" accuse people of being the stereotype that they have in their minds of Jewish people and don't have much knowledge of Jewish people.

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Yarchin:
A sweet new year to all.

A blessing on you for thinking of your neighbour!

tac

quote:

Originally posted by slosig:

quote:

So, then this asshole comes along and accuses me of being Jewish. My accuser meant to insult me. Instead, it caused me to think thoughts and realize perceptions that I had not had before, the sting of bigotry and prejudice. I understood what it felt like, a little.

It is interesting to read that. I am not Jewish, but thinking of all the Jewish people I know, I wouldn't think of being mistaken for Jewish as an accusation. I suspect that "assholes" accuse people of being the stereotype that they have in their minds of Jewish people and don't have much knowledge of Jewish people.

There is a long history of slights, insults, discriminations against Jews, even more than Irish, Catholics and probably less than against Negroes. Some was blatant, like deed restrictions forbidding sale or occupancy by negroes or Jews. Some was more subtle. Harry Truman was partners in a mens clothing store after WWI, with an Army buddy, Eddie Jacobson, but Jacobson could never come to the Truman's home for dinner. Ben Graham, the famous investor who was Warren Buffett's mentor, was reluctant to hire Buffett, feeling that since Jews could not be hired at most Wall Street firms, he ought to save his few spots for Jews. I'm sure the older Jewish guys here can list hundreds of similar demeaning attitudes, treatment, cruel jokes, stereotypes, etc.

The asshole was not mistaking me for a Jew; he knew better. It was meant as an insult, to demean me in the group we participated in. This, and his other antics and threats, kind of backfired, while my stock rose, so to speak.

Anyway, enough of this thread drift.

Special Happy New Years to any fellow SAMMY brothers out there!

Fast and Firm!

HK Ag

I hope posting this video isn't inappropriate to the occasion. I have such a fondness for Israel and her culture and history that this music calls to me. The lyrics especially mirror my own sentiments and at times bring me to tears of inspiration.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

Bruce

Shana Tova U'Metuka!

I was once mistaken for not being Jewish. For several years, actually, by my elderly neighbor who had a habit of saying some pretty classic things about Jews.... Actually, I was also mistaken for not being Jewish by a professor who told me it was offensive to call someone a Jew. I asked him why he thought that and said that I was a Jew and I wasn't offended by being called a Jew. He got a shocked looked on his face, "You're Jewish?"