[Observer]

I agree with you that some people may be too sensitive or insensitive, and that all kinds of people can be rude; and believe me, I have met and served them. I have worked in different parts of the city, where a particular ethnic group predominates. None of these factors (age, sex, religion, ethnicity, physical status, etc) really bother me. The one thing that bothers me is the arrogant behaviour shown by many people towards my entire staff in the supposedly Jewish communities. I have read about explanations that because many are rich and too successful that they can behave this way. I don’t buy this excuse, because I know many others who don’t behave this way. It appears to me, that these people don’t seem to care that other people can be just as rich or successful as they are. The behavior I have witnessed is not just that of arrogance; it often borders hostility. I have had casual chats with other non-Jewish folks who work in the area, and realized that you don’t need to look like a Nazi to be on the receiving end of such behavior. Of course, this may be a wrong assumption. In the end, I decided to do some more research, but failed to find any satisfactory explanations. I realize that Jewish people had suffered much throughout history. But, don’t they know that not every group on this earth have perpetuated such crimes against them? Prior to working in the area, I had no knowledge of such a phenomenon, and my research did confirm that I am not uniquely sensitive. I have read on Y! Forum that being Jewish refers partly to identifying with The Book. But does The Book not teach much about ‘proper’ behavior? My intention is not to offend any one, but to merely seek an honest answer, as is stated in the Y! Forum’s main page.

User Detail :  

Name : Observer, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Oriental, Age : 31, City : Toronto, State : NA, Country : Canada, Occupation : Retail, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Observer]

I don’t believe so. Don’t get me wrong, but I think that it is an adaptive mechanism, to help us cope with our environment (our neighbours, coworkers, friends, merchants, strangers, etc). Even for those who prejudge, HOPEFULLY they still possess a sense of right and wrong (something even my pet dog has) and treat everyone fairly (i.e. providers of housing, legal, employment matters). There are always exceptions (as stereotypes never apply to everyone), and when these involve humans, they must deserve an equal and fair chance. I have pondered often about this issue, and I notice that we do take pride in positive achievement made by a member of our group (i.e the FIFA World Cup, superior cooking/ analytical/ sexual/ spiritual and other skills), we just don’t want to hear about the bad things that another member of our group commits and perhaps learn from those and remain humble. What ever happened to ‘taking the bad with the good’? I remember watching a documentary on TV, and this black activist said ‘you don’t have to like us, just treat us fairly when it comes to employment, housing, opportunies.’ I find this comforting, because there are laws (where they apply) which enable us to tackle a specific case of prejudice. My only concern is that those who administer and dispense justice may be impartial, and in a ‘civilized society’ there isn’t any other avenue beyond legal recourse. Hope that helps.

User Detail :  

Name : Observer, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Oriental, Age : 31, City : Toronto, State : NA, Country : Canada, Occupation : Retail, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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