Racism

Here's one thing that's always bothered me about many Jews that I've met, Orthodox or not. They claim to be open-minded, but amongst themselves, the sneering, condescending hatred of "goyim" comes out. Perfectly polite to non-Jews of course, but inside they really see themselves as the chosen people. Not just in the sense of an Am Kehuna (priestly nation), but in the sense that if you're not Jewish, you're not worth talking to (unless some money can be made from it, I suppose).

I won't go into the details, but I have many non-Jewish family members. I've grown up with them: played with the ones my age, been looked after by the older ones, and our relationships are still good. I can't imagine thinking any less of them for not being born into the same cultural-religious group as me.

Before I went to college I was open in attitude, but apart from my family (all caucasian) I had limited exposure to non-Jews. At university, I was embarrassed when I couldn't understand people I met with strong Asian accents and made an effort to get used to it. I joined student organizations (a short dabble in socialism and a dismal attempt at martial arts). I went out socially with people I met in college. I made friends who I'm still in touch with.

By my final year of my bachelor degree, my friends included many caucasians, several Asians, a few Greeks, a Sudanese Muslim, a Syrian Christian, and my best friend, a country girl of Kenyan and South American descent. I loved it. I felt like I was living a multicultural dream. We all respected each other, were fascinated by each others backgrounds without any pressure to find Jesus or Allah -- or sex, drugs, or anything else that I wasn't interested in. Now that I'm working, I enjoy actually being friends with my colleagues. I'm still in touch with my co-workers from my last job.

I think that Jews who will only hang out with Jews are missing out and shunning the people who have made it possible for them to live the lives they're living. (Dov Bear had a post on that topic a while back.) But it's more than that. Their ingrained racism, against mainstream culture and minority groups, is disgusting and makes my blood boil.

Is it justified, or even explained, by the Holocaust? By outdated halachot designed to keep us apart from them? Personally I think there's no excuse for it. The laws that exist are backward; no longer needed since there aren't exactly hundreds of Christians trying to insidiously convert us (jihad is a bit of a different story); and as it is we pick and choose which ones are still "relevant". But even if one wanted to be strict and keep them all, a recognition that their original purpose is no longer valid is needed. The whole world isn't out to get us. Average people really don't care if you're Jewish. Get over it and get rid of your prejudices.