Jews: Why the animosity towards them?

[Vuk]

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As a Jew myself, I find the above interesting. Certainly, there is no single race of Jews. However, I very much identify myself on an ethnic basis as a 'Jew.' In fact, I consider myself a Jew, even though I'm an atheist. I am a Jew, but I am not Jewish. Given that fact, if it is not my religion that identifies me as a Jew, then it is a cultural and ethnic background. In my particular case, I am an Ashkenazi Jew. This is one of the two major Jewish groups in the world today, with the other being Sephardic. The Ashkenazis have a historic origin from central and eastern Europe and are the traditional Yiddish speakers known so well from history and modern comedy. This is true for my Jewish family history as well, which originated from Austria and Poland.

My family largely originated in America in New York City and I have several relatives who are the living embodiment of the New York Jew stereotype. It is not a criticism, it is simply reality. Based on what I have experienced in my life as a Jew, there is as much to classify me as a member of the Jewish race as there is to classify anyone else as a member of the African race. My family demonstrates several consistent and prominent physical features that identify them (large noses, dark hair). This seems to me to be no different than having a different skin tone. They also have cultural traditions that differentiate them from other Caucasians.

If these things do not differentiate us as a different race, what makes a race? Also, it seems like many people equate the term "race" with a negative connotation. Why is that? Simply saying someone is from a different race does not make them inferior in any way. There's nothing wrong with acknowledging our physical and cultural differences.

You are completely correct about that, and you are also the first person I have ever met (who was not Jewish) who actually knew about the distinction between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews. I too am from an Ashkenazi heritage. (Which is where i get my kingly nose :P)
Most people aren't educated enough/don't care enough to ever study Jews enough to even realize that there are ethinic differences. They instead teach only the attrocities committed against the Jews and leave the rich (no pun intended) Jewish culture and history out entirely. And they wonder where the stereotype of Jews whining about their past comes from...(and yes, that is one I get all the time. :P)

Well, there is the argument that there is no such thing as "race", and that it is merely a social construct. Therefore, race can be defined in almost anyway one chooses. Few, if any, refer to "an English (or French or German) race" anymore, but it wasn't uncommon in the 19th Century to do so.

In this particular case race, religion, and culture all overlap. One can be a Jew by any one of the above or by any combination thereof.

Race does not mean that one person is inferior or superior to another, but it does exist. There are basic biological differences that now even allow for them to determine people's race by their DNA.
It is hard to argue that Native Africans have darker skin than the "Caucasian".
They are real biological differences, and for the most part effect nothing more than minor facial differences, stature (which is actually a sub-race variable and not directly controlled by race), and defense against diseases.
People find it easy to ignore people's differences and deny that there is such a thing as race, than to accept and celebrate it.