Thursday, December 29, 2011

Momma Always Said, "They Hate You"

Shalom Auslander is not an author I would usually bring myself to quote, but this tale featured as the back story in the NY Times Magazine kinda destroys any sort of fantasy where the whole world joins hands and sings "Kumbaya."

7 comments:

guyinla said...

Strangely enough, his anecdote does not paint a picture of anti-semitism. I seems as though the soldier, while ignorant, wasn't an anti-semite.
While anti-semitism and racism certainly exist in america, I really don't believe they are pervasive anymore. I don't let myself get down from such realizations - I never had such expectations. Until Moshiach comes, that is.
P.s. do you read every NYT cover to cover?

redsneakz said...

Guy, antisemitism and racism still are prevalent, especially outside the daled amos of NYC // Brookline // Lakewood // Fairfax. Marines are taught to be polite and respectful, but it's a short step from Jew Horns to hooded robe.

Princess Lea said...

GIL: Not that these guys were necessarily anti-Semitic, but the idea that they actually believed that Jews (being the spawn of satan) have horns. And asked to see them. Meaning this is what they were raised with out in Appalachia. A little disturbing, though, no?

I mostly focus on anything having to do with Jews and fashion/beauty/style in the NY Times. :)

RS: Ever been to Europe? Yarmulka goes in the pocket, tzitzis as well. It's not hard to hate and to make a scapegoat.

iTripped said...

My Korean classmates had no concept at all of what "jewish" meant- I was the first Jew they had ever met. Certainly in New York, you expect that most people are familiar with Jewish culture in some shape or form. But these girls were always confused as to why I couldn't work on weekends, why I didn't show up for class on holidays, and couldn't eat the food they offered. Still, imagine my surprise when my classmate asked me one day if all Jews had horns, or just the men.

Princess Lea said...

It's a unisex accessory! We have to file 'em down, like Hellboy.

guyinla said...

You file them down?! O, the shame our ancestors must be feeling. I just wear a fedora to conceal them in public. Nothing like getting home, taking off my hat, and lettin the horns get some air.

Princess Lea said...

I am weak.