It's not necessary or even appropriate to advertise your religion in the workplace. I am Jewish but my last name is not "Jewish". I don't walk around telling people my religion so I would guess there are people here who do not know I am Jewish, just as I do not know what other people's religions are.
Yesterday one of the women here was telling about a conversation she had had with her attorney. Apparently he asked her what she thought of Mel Gibson, and when she asked why he wanted to know, he responded that he assumed she was Jewish because of her last name. She was most insulted by this and told the lawyer so. Then one of the other people at work chimed in and said "It's a good thing he didn't throw pennies at you."
Was I wrong to be offended? I did not say anything. What should I have said? Am I too thin skinned?
2006-08-18 03:57:30 · 14 answers · asked by WendyD1999 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Jews have suvived worse.
2006-08-18 04:03:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't think that you're wrong to be offended at all, given that the comment about the pennies was clearly derrogatory and anti-semetic.
However, I think that your coworker WAS wrong to be offended. Why would she be offended by being asked if she was Jewish, unless she considered it an insult? I'm not Jewish, and I have been asked if I am due to last name and appearance (always by Jews, by the way), and have never once been offended by it. Why should I be? I don't consider being Jewish to be bad.
sure, the guy assumed something that was wrong. So what? Honest mistake. When did he really insult her?
The part that is offensive, IMHO, about the story is that your coworker considered "Jewish" an insult.
2006-08-18 11:09:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pick your battles carefully. The world is teeming with offensive people. Feel the offense, but understand you'd be spitting in the wind if you think your energy could stop the stupidity. Don't let people push your buttons. Stay steady and rational. When these sort of disturbing events occur, blink your eyes and re-boot yourself back into balance and reason. You cannot change such enormous currents of unbalanced human behavior by yourself. Save your energy for more profound responses, such as volunteering at the Jewish Anti-Defamation League.
2006-08-18 11:12:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you were wrong to be offended. Doesn't mean it's right to be offended either. Everyone makes assumptions. You yourself are most likely guilty of insult by assumption as well. Just as you didn't say anything, other people don't say things either. I think people today are too thin skinned, there's a certain desire for political correctness that allows people to be offended at the drop of a hat. Have you ever assumed someone was asian because of their skin tone and last name? Or assumed someone was hispanic because of their last name? Or assume that because someone doesn't speak English well and they're not white that they're foreign? Or any one of a hundred other assumptions that people make on a daily basis.
2006-08-18 11:08:06 · answer #4 · answered by wldathrt77 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Shalom
I really don't know why some people are so against the Jewish community!! You guys have done nothing wrong to us!! I think you have the absolute right to be angry!! Just tell them that you are Jewish...
I also don't really get the part about the pennies!!
Have a wonderful day(**,)
2006-08-18 12:24:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a gentile, and what you heard appalls me. I can only imagine how you must feel. Your restraint is to be commended.
Actually, I'm also appalled that the first co-worker was "insulted" because her attorney thought she is Jewish. Since when is it an insult to be called one of God's chosen people?
I think your co-workers need to be educated regarding your faith. Perhaps now is the time to do it! I agree with "Girl Wonder" -- you should say something, but keep it dignified.
2006-08-18 11:05:13 · answer #6 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not wrong to be offended. I would have said, "Y'know, gus, I'm Jewish. I don't want to make a big thing of this, but I'd appreciate if you you could keep comments like that to yourself."
I'm sorry you had to go through that. Good luck to you!
2006-08-18 11:08:58 · answer #7 · answered by ZombieTrix 2012 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps a little admonishment toward those who would make fun of others WAS in order. I'd have spoken up as I have done listening to any negative comments based on Race, Religion, or Sexual Orientation.
2006-08-18 11:04:04 · answer #8 · answered by IndyT- For Da Ben Dan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have all your rights to be angry. It is offensive.
You should have said something like "hmmm (clearing your throat angrily)..I am Jewish.". That would be funny and your work mates will stop talking about it.
2006-08-20 11:11:50 · answer #9 · answered by yotg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have said "Excuse me, I'm Jewish." and then watch them scramble to save face. It would have been pretty funny. I think you have a right to be angry.
2006-08-18 11:03:12 · answer #10 · answered by Girl Wonder 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There were always non-Jews who have hated us since our religion was born. There always will be those who hate us until the Messianic times. What's new?
2006-08-18 11:33:57 · answer #11 · answered by ysk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋