Brothers Allege Workplace Anti-Semitism
This is truly despicable with out question. That said, were the police called at any point to report assault? Why did they not just quit. Ones safety should come first. By no means do I agree with anyone being treated this way! The only thing I can say from experience is that no one should be embarrassed about their beliefs. If they are religious and wear yarmulke’s fine no problem. By the same token if a religious holiday is upcoming I ask off just as a typical day no one needs an excuse and detail as to why you are out of the office. I experienced discrimination as a student decades ago at my former, Randallstown Sr High School by being called a damm Jew by other students. I used to work at a restaurant 20 odd years ago and would get question like how Jewish are you, where are your parents from and just ignorant low class goyish questions most likely because their parents taught them this way. Now, that said the last company I worked for sort of understood and honestly all someone needs to know is that their are different levels of observance end of story. No needs to explain anything the office is not the place for it. Go on line or call a shul at talk to a Rabbi if you want to know. I am here and getting paid to do my job and I am so tired of the oh, here we go again questions.
Again, I am not ashamed of being Jewish. Corporate America (read between the lines) does not care about you or your holiday oh, and I would not decorate my cube for X-mas (not that dumb guys) Rest ashure when you are driving in your car and the guy or gal cuts you off you may say idot, jerk or your 4 letter word. If the person was black, asian or wearing a yarmulke it would be a racist comment on top. As parents we may try to teach tolerance but outside forces like friends, co-workers may have an influence. I have been amazed that I have gotten the oh by looking at me you don’t know I’m Jewish until you get that off comment or jewish joke and you can decide what to do from there. I would distance myself as much as possible and keep it professional. The other part is the worker that asks the outwardly religious jew why XYZ is jewish but does not keep passover? The religious community should say again their are different levels of observance. Why is someone Catholic, Protestant or Baptist? I assume same common belief but different level of observance. It’s a two way street people!
I honestly wish that even if we can’t get along or like each other why can’t we just respect someone else as long as they cause no harm or spread hate and leave it at good morning, have a nice weekend. I do have to add that I say happy holidays not merry x-mas still a bit odd to me. I love getting a x-mas at the office from people who know I’m Jewish, what a stupid person, come on now and if you are exchanging gifts take it easy on the x-mas wrapping paper too.
Posted by camerman2010 on 11/04/09 at 08:25 PM