No offense, but why is Israeli culture so hyper-masculine and aggressive?

Question

Every Israeli I've met has been so hard to penetrate; takes forever for the ice to melt.
Is it the "never again" syndrome? Are you afraid people will perceive you as weak?

penetrate, meaning get to know them . . .

Answer 1

Classicly, Israelis have been likened to the Sabra, the prickly pear that grows in Israels Negev desert: hard and prickly on the outside, but if you manage to get passed that you find them actually to be sweet. (Side note: native Israelis are often referred to as "Sabras"). I think there are a number of factors which cause this. The first, what you call "never again" syndrome, is the "us versus them" mentality. The Jewish people have a history of persecution and only temporary friendships. This leads Israeli Jews to look with skepticism upon the world and in general be closed to other people. Jewish history has taught us that people must be shown to be trustworthy, as most end up not being so. The second reason is Israel's mandatory draft. Israelis, men in particular, are brought up knowing that they will serve as well as in a culture in which most men around them have served. This logically results in a 'masculinization' of the society: child-play is more rough-n-tumble, children are less sheltered etc. This isn't to say that kids are "brainwashed" or prepared from an early age, rather that as their parents lived a more active and 'masculine' life, so will the children. Similarly, those brought up in an intellectual, inactive household have a much higher likelihood of being that way themselves. This cause is diminishing to some degree however as combat service is more and more localized to specific groups within Israel rather than being spread uniformly across the society. For this reason, those brought up in the classic Tel-Aviv lifestyle (materialistic) are less likely to be "macho" as compared to those brought up in the classic Kibbutz style (idealistic). Lastly, I'd say that the level of masculinity is relative, and Israel has fewer immasculating factors than other countries. As countries become more affluent, the respect for masculinity diminishes drasticly to be replaced by "metrosexual" culture. Men in general take on more stereotypical female traits such as the levels of importance applied to grooming and dress. Perhaps it is just the general meaninglessness and boredom attributed to this dormant lifestyle that causes people to make such inconsequential things overly significant, but whatever the reason the result is immasculation in a basic sense. Anyway, as Israel is not nearly so affluent as other Western countries, the degree of immasculation is significantly less.

Answer 2

No offense, but if, in two generations, you had had your country attacked and theatened with extinction six times, wouldn't you tend to have a few rough edges?

Personally, as an ex-pat American, a 50% disabled Vietnam Vet, with over 30+ years in Israel and the Middle East, I think the Israelis are far more gracious and hospitable than many Americans who haven't lived through or experienced life on the edge that is the daily portion of these people.

If my wife or I need a cup of sugar, a light bulb, help with the kids, or cash for an emergency taxi ride to town, we can go to ANY of our neighbors and get what we need without a second thought.

Can you . . . ?

I think the saying about walking a mile in another's moccasins is pretty apt here . . . .

Answer 3

Well , I have to tell the truth here ....lol....I have experienced this all over the ME...but there is no general rule. Maybe because of life experiences, and wars, this might have made some people "tough". Wouldn't you be? ...cheers!
Tabatha: I guess "tough" and "ice that can't melt" maybe seems masculine?lol

I will have to change my answer very soon!
So then weasel why did you go there in the first place? Why did your fathers steal the land and make war! They could have lived in Peace! Why you have the need to put all peoples life through h*** just to prove a point that's false, the world knows everything, keep talking until your blue in the face, the facts will never change. Not only directed at you!

Michael J; you reminded me of "Sabra" and "Shatila" do all remember how many 1000 woman , children were killed. Now dear asker, you have your answer of why all the ME are aggressive. Even myself at times.

Answer 4

The Israeli people like me and you most believe that the Government is taking care of the Palestinian issue. When you talk to an Israeli person about peace between the 2 people he/she can not go with you all the way to say that the Israeli occupation must end for lasting peace.
what Israel need is a peace leader to lead them to peace. The war language is masculine language which most Israeli hide behinds " IDF"

Answer 5

I have never met an Israeli that I would describe in the matter you are describing. Maybe the problem is you are trying to penetrate them when all you ought to be doing is taking what they give you.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

Perhaps you've just been unlucky with the ones you've met?

In addition, is it fair to generalise about an entire country, based on your experiences with a few people?

I can only speak from experience; the Israelis I know are great. Warm, genuine, generous, vivacious.

I don't think Israelis are aggressive, but yes, they are more forthright and outspoken than say, the British. Personally, I value this about Israeli people, though.

Answer 7

My only experience with a Jew at the university. He was my English as a second language teacher and he was so nice. Maybe because it is his job to speak with his students and give them advice. Many of my neighbours are Jews and I am always afraid to approach them because I am afraid that they reject me. They keep frowning most of the time which makes me feel that I will bother them if I speak to them. I think they have to be a little bit more sociable so that people understand them better and know that many of them are great.

Peace

Answer 8

No, we are also known to K'vetch all the time. Atleast in the Ashkenazi we like to be aggressive and competitive. We all like status. It is fun to debate and be stubborn.

Answer 9

Not all of them are like that..

Answer 10

it only appears that way. Most of Israelis are very nice people.