Are you offended if someone says "All Jewish people are intelligent?"
2006-09-21 15:41:03 · 8 answers · asked by chira 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I don't know, but some are really offended by it, and I don't understand why.
Then again, I think it's just the stereotyping that is inappropriate.
2006-09-21 15:44:48 · update #1
I'm not a Jew, nor do I play one on TV, but I'm guessing that the reason this would offend a Jewish person (or anyone else) is that it implies ALL of any one subset of people are one way or another.
It's a generalization, which is really a form of bigotry even when the generalization seems complimentary. It's still a way of pigeonholing and objectifying an entire group of human beings.
2006-09-21 15:47:14 · answer #1 · answered by sparticle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, not offended, but perplexed, if looking at Israel. On the other hand all my own Jewish friends are extremely intelligent, imaginative, creative, often artistic, insightful, and compassionate - and they don't approve of much of Israel's actions either, and believe much of them to be profoundly unintelligent. Certainly outstanding Jews have contributed much to our civilisation - but so have people of many other ethnic groups. I believe it's individuals who are intelligent - not groups, although groups can create a family/social culture which encourages the development of intelligence. It's a pity there's not more of 'em!
2006-09-21 22:49:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don`t think they would be offended, they might think you are very shallow minded though. There are smart, and not too smart people in every culture. It doesn`t matter their herritage or roots, people are people.
2006-09-21 22:51:13 · answer #3 · answered by Spiritled 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Asians are the brightest people.
2006-09-21 22:48:56 · answer #4 · answered by RELIGION 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would I be? I would correct them, because any all encompassing statement is incorrect, but I would not be offended.
2006-09-21 22:44:47 · answer #5 · answered by cathcoug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, but nothing offends me positive or negitive.
I see it as a compliment, but if they said all jews are cheap it wouldnt bother me. Generaliations are stupid.
2006-09-21 22:45:00 · answer #6 · answered by desi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I would be very flattered by that.
2006-09-23 11:33:50 · answer #7 · answered by yotg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would that be insulting?
2006-09-21 22:43:41 · answer #8 · answered by rltouhe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋