I've been told that "Jewish" is preferred. However my search results have been inconclusive....
2006-11-29 16:28:24 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As all others have said, I believe it's the connotation when referring to the person. "Jew" in and of itself is not a derogatory term, but the term has been used in a hateful manner. Those who persecute the Jewish never say, "you're Jewish!" They say, "You dirty Jew!" (or something akin). "Jewish" has never been used in a derogatory fashion, as has "Jew".
2006-11-29 16:51:39 · answer #1 · answered by MyPreshus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never used the term 'Jew', I just can't. It reminds me of those cruel Hitler speeches. Have never been told that it was derogatory to use it; just a personal preference. It's different from calling someone Chinese or Black because those same words weren't used in the name of mass murder. If I were Jewish perhaps it would be different but I'm not and just won't say it.
2006-11-29 18:18:54 · answer #2 · answered by Craiova 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People only think labels (names) are derogatory if they themselves stereotype the group. For instance, if someone thinks saying someone is "black" is racist or whatever, obviously they think "black" is a bad thing or has a bad connection with it. In other words, people who go out of their way to find a politically correct word are really the ones who buy into all the stereotypes.
I wonder though, who says "Jew" is derogatory? Is it from a real Jew or someone else? If a Jew tells you its derogatory, be polite and say a name they prefer. If it is not a Jew, ignore them.
2006-11-29 16:35:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a Jew or Jewish both sound AOK to mme but if You say He or she is a Jew in a nasty tone that is derrogatory
2006-11-29 16:32:06 · answer #4 · answered by devora k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jewish is plural for Jew...used in different ways if you prefer correct English. Its only derrogatory if it is said with hate in the heart. Just my opinion. I know Jews who say "I am a Jew" so......
Blessings
David
2006-11-29 16:31:11 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The word "Jew" is not derogatory because it is merely a contraction/ abbreviation of the word "Judean".
Jewish is preferred, but "Jew" is still very much acceptable.
2006-11-29 16:30:53 · answer #6 · answered by Adyghe Ha'Yapheh-Phiyah 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The term "Jew" should not be derogatory, it is only the connotations that people consciously or subconsciously associate with Jews that give it that flavour.
2006-11-29 16:40:53 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go ahead if you know the people and know that they aren't too thin skinned. Use Jewish if you aren't sure and want to be polite.
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2006-11-29 16:44:20 · answer #8 · answered by Alan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be used in a derogatory sense, but is not derogatory per se.
2006-11-29 16:47:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, its not derogatory. jews refer to ourselves as jews all the time.
2006-11-29 17:02:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋