A question for Jewish women

[Anonymous]

PLEASE do not be offended. I have always wanted to ask this though. I am not Jewish but have some Jewish friends, many are lovely lovely people.


One characteristic though I have noticed which i find odd is how they look at people (other women) up and down, like they want to take in every detail from head to toe. It comes across abrasive and assertive and nosy. I don't like it but have noticed this so many times for so many years, I had to ask. The strange thing is its always Jewish women. Odd I know. Doesn't' take away from the fact that I like them very much....any non sarcastic reply would be most welcome. Again absolutely no disrespect meant in any way.

[Anonymous]

What is your question? Why do Jewish women do this? Is this a Jewish characteristic? Or something else.

Answering your question honestly and frankly, I can tell you that I have noticed this characteristic with Jews and gentiles alike (I am Jewish). My aunt (Jewish) does it all the time, as does my cousin-in-law (Catholic). In their case, it is a judgemental streak. For others, I would say, lack of social skills.

Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you ask the next person who does it to you (especially since this person is your "friend") and tell her how it makes you feel.

[Anonymous]

I have never seen this from my Jewish friends, and I know there's a lot of the look over done by non-Jewish women.

[Anonymous]

The girls who looked me up and down in jr. high school were all non-Jews. It must be something that the Jewish women picked up from their harassing Christian peers.

[Anonymous]

Jew here. I don't think you are noticing something specific to Jewish women, but something that is common with women raised in upper middle class status conscious areas, which happens to be where many Jews are from.

[Anonymous]

Jewish female here. I think it is more of a "female" thing, rather than "Jewish."

[Anonymous]

I'm Jewish. I don't think it's a Jewish thing. I think it's, as 18:30 said, a female thing, as well as an upper-middle class thing, where people are looking at you to see what brands/seasons you're wearing.

[Anonymous]

I've seen AA women do this.

[Anonymous]

I am half Jewish so take this comment half heartedly, lol.

I DO notice this big time. I just moved from NY, where it was ridiculous, but even back home now I see it. Not ALWAYS Jewish women but it does seem more pronounced with Jewish women for some reason. I think someone said it right when they spoke to the "judgmental" thing, not necessarily a bad thing...just sizing you up. I do agree though it can make you feel uncomfortable and strangely self conscious.

Maybe next time laugh and ask one of your friends whats up with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The girls who looked me up and down in jr. high school were all non-Jews. It must be something that the Jewish women picked up from their harassing Christian peers.

Just have to get a dig in, don't you?

[Anonymous]

Actually the New Yorker magazine (think it was that one) had an article on social graces a few years ago (and how they are disappearing) and they actually spoke about this very thing specific to Jewish women I believe but it was done with a sense of humor and trust me they spoke about many other groups too all rather tongue in cheek.

[Anonymous]

I've noticed people of every religion, ethnicity, and skin color, and age group do this. OP, I think you're really bizarre.

[Anonymous]

Just because you post "don't be offended" doesn't mean people won't be. I am incredibly offended by this question. Anti-semitism lives. How incredibly disappointing.

[Anonymous]

A good rule to live by is that if you have to tell someone not to be offended, what you are about to say is quite offensive and you should keep it to yourself. That is certainly the case here.