How did Jewish stereotypes come about?

Question

I am Jewish and I have heard so many stereotypes about Jews and so many bad words that mean Jews, I don't fit under any of these stereotypes.

Answer 1

Just like every other sereotype came around; looking at people as a mass instead of as individuals.

Answer 2

LOL - well, there is an element of truth in one of those. Jewish families tend to be very close and Jewish mothers do usually lavish affection, care, and yes food on their children! As for the thing about money - historically in Europe, Jews were barred from ALL jobs bar being moneylenders. In order to survive, they HAD to do it sufficiently well to put food on the family table. Jews are not inherently any 'better with money' than any other group in society. Nor do Jews 'love money' any more than others. We are a mixed bunch, just like Muslims presumably are. --------------------------------------... Afraid I have to slightly correct the previous poster. There was anti semitism in Arab countries, but it was not of the same theological nature or intensity as we find in early Christian writings, for example. And yes, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem was a great friend and ally of Hitler and the Nazis. What we can call 'classical anti semitism' did, sadly, originate with the Christian teaching that the 'jews killed jesus'. Happily today, most Christian theologians acknowledge that this was not the case and indeed, two Popes have also publicly apologised for the unfair accusation against Jews in this regard. To the asker: - I suspect the stereotypes partly endure because we are such a tiny minority, it's really easy for many people to never MEET a Jew or to really get to know one! So if all they hear are the stereotypes, which are often reinforced in fiction and on TV, it's no wonder they absorb them as 'fact'. I'm a Brit but I've often noted that American sitcoms do Jewish humour REALLY well. It is usually with affection and not offensive. Frasier and Will&Grace come to mind - some hilarious episodes featuring Jewish issues and/or characters.

Answer 3

hahaha i dont know but im italian, and we have the stereotype that we're all bafoons who sit around, eat pasta in recliner chairs, and shoot people who owe us money. its not a big deal, you should be able to laugh at your culture. a lot of jewish comedians make fun of themselves, did you see family guy last night? when peter's ancester (moses griffin)led the jews out of egypt and he said the real first commandments to the jews he was like first commandment, shut up. 2nd commandment i cant do anything about the sun stop complaining, 3rd commandment when we're walking by a bill-board dont read it out loud so everyone can hear. And then when they have to cross the red sea they're all like i dont wanna step on a rock, all the sewage from asia goes in there, and the one guys like "ohhh big deal I can part the red sea, you know he hasnt talked to his brother in 3 years?' its all just a joke. italians are mobsters, asians are smart, white people cant dance. its all stereotypes that no one but idiots really think sums up a whole group. just be your culture and be proud.

Answer 4

I assume that stereotyping Jews came about after the Crucifixion of Christ. The Romans and followers of Jesus needed a scapegoat for the death of Jesus and so who better than the Jews...otherwise - they wouldn't have had any followers. If you create a common enemy...you create followers.

Answer 5

Believe it or not, much of it was the Nazi propaganda blitz by Goebbels during the second world war.

Stereotypes are used by haters who will use any excuse to hate you just because. Dealing with you as a person destroys their argument. So instead, they think of you as being this stereotyped caricature of a hatable person.

Ignore them. Anything else gives them power.

Answer 6

They probably started with the racist revolution started by Rudolph Hitler...oops, I mean Adolf! People will disrespect anyone who is different than they are. Ignore the rude comments and words, you seem to be a pretty awesome person.

Answer 7

I am Jewish too, ummmmmm, I think that they came from all the propaganda from the Nazis. I dont fit any of them either.

Answer 8

Years of ignorance compounded by unfounded hatred.

Answer 9

Probably the same way the sterotypes about my people, African American's, came about.

Answer 10

it's typical human nature since Adam's time. one's race, culture, religion, country, etc. is better than others.