Originally Posted by Evil_Maniac From Mars
Originally Posted by Zajuts149
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.Originally Posted by KrooK
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.
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