still need a Jew icon

[some_stars]

So today, my co-temp asked me why all Jews are rich! She led into it with "so, you don't celebrate Easter, right? You just stay home?" And then there was an awkward but basically fine explanation of Passover ("so it's like Jewish Easter?" "yes, except the other way around.") and what a seder is, and then...that.

I should note, it turned out okay! I was all "...so first of all, you shouldn't ask anyone else that ever, because it's super offensive," and explained how it was a really old and vicious stereotype, and some historical background, etc. And then she apologized and it was very sincere and nice, and everything was fine and we went on to talk about giant lesbian beach parties. But...wow. There was a stretch of about fifteen seconds where I just sort of stared blankly at her, and she kept repeating and elaborating on her question, and I couldn't think of anything except is this seriously happening? Someone's actually saying this to me? It was sort of like I jumped beyond being offended at her, all the way into meta-offended (and completely taken aback) at the very fact that there are actually still people who would say that. I mean, I know anti-Semitism is still a significant cultural force, I know people think this stuff unconsciously/to themselves, but...I just...I was not expecting this moment pretty much ever in my life.

Anyway, everything was okay in the end, and then we got sent home two hours early but with full pay, so my life is going quite well. I just feel like I accidentally fell into a whole other, creepier universe for a few minutes.

Comments

[ang]

....... wow. Just. Wow.

[some_stars]

INORITE. what even.

[vass]

When I was in college a girl once asked me if my father (who is half Jewish) was stingy. My grandfather's heritage has had a psychological impact on my family, but not really a cultural or religious one, and I wasn't brought up to identify as Jewish. So that was maybe the second or third time it came up in my whole life.

People. I don't even know. Why does your coworker think you're temping, if you're so rich? For the stimulating conversations?

[some_stars]

well, it has come up (since we're both looking for apartments, and since I dropped down to four days a week to make time for volunteering) that my family has a lot of money. so possibly that's where the line of thought started? but UGH. it felt so out of nowhere and just really threw me for a loop.

[onyxlynx]

Good grief.

(Having, I hope, not made a total ass of myself with some Asians about other Asians yesterday.)

[kore]

Hoooooly fuck.

[aris_tgd]

I just... wow, I know that happens sometimes, but wow.

... One of my friends in college went to a summer camp thing with kids from across the country, and IIRC one of them actually asked him if he had horns and a tail. So, y'know, at least she didn't say that.

[phosfate]

Good lord. Good lord.