Have you ever used the name "Goy" or "Goyim" to describe a person who is a Gentile?

[Anonymous]

My mom would see the Easter dresses at Macys and say they are goyishe. Meanwhile, my siblings and I were all wearing sailor dresses/suits. We were the Jewish Navy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mom would see the Easter dresses at Macys and say they are goyishe. Meanwhile, my siblings and I were all wearing sailor dresses/suits. We were the Jewish Navy.

I think like Seinfeld and many other comedians who happen to be Jewish, there seems to be a certain unique quality to Jewish humor. So many of these posts have included cute and humorous stories.

Thank you

[Anonymous]

there seems to be a certain unique quality to Jewish humor. So many of these posts have included cute and humorous stories.

Thank you

Agree.

Signed, the former South Dakotan

[Anonymous]

People should also remember that while things are much better in our times in the US, my parents (in their late-50's) grew up in a time where there were still signs "No blacks, No Jews, No dogs" outside hotels, apt buildings, restaurants, etc.

Jews have had an "us vs. them" mentality for 1000's of years. Jews were often segregated, discriminated against, and kicked out of various countries. Yes, in the year 2000, the US is pretty good to the Jews, but around the world and even 25-50 yrs ago, things were not as pleasant.

"Goy/goyim" vs. "yid/yidin" (Jew in yiddish) is not a slur, but rather a reflection of this division. Many Jews, particular observants Jews, work hard to maintain a Jewish identity in an age where assimilation is so nice and easy. Many feel that defining ones self as "Jewish" is crucial to maining the indentity of the Jewish nation/religion. To be "Jewish", others have to be "non-Jewish" or "goyish".

Again, not a slur or an insult, just an identity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People should also remember that while things are much better in our times in the US, my parents (in their late-50's) grew up in a time where there were still signs "No blacks, No Jews, No dogs" outside hotels, apt buildings, restaurants, etc.

Jews have had an "us vs. them" mentality for 1000's of years. Jews were often segregated, discriminated against, and kicked out of various countries. Yes, in the year 2000, the US is pretty good to the Jews, but around the world and even 25-50 yrs ago, things were not as pleasant.

"Goy/goyim" vs. "yid/yidin" (Jew in yiddish) is not a slur, but rather a reflection of this division. Many Jews, particular observants Jews, work hard to maintain a Jewish identity in an age where assimilation is so nice and easy. Many feel that defining ones self as "Jewish" is crucial to maining the indentity of the Jewish nation/religion. To be "Jewish", others have to be "non-Jewish" or "goyish".

Again, not a slur or an insult, just an identity.

I agree in great part, but can see, based on my knowledge of apartheid in South Africa and Jim Crow laws in the United States, that some folks who are in the "non" category are going to object. There is an inevitable element of privilege and supremacy in needing to bolster one's identity by excluding others.

FWIW, my DH is Jewish and our children attend Jewish schools. I grew up in a white, nominally Christian household. I have no issue in being referred to as goy, but if I were a member of another "minority" culture in the United States, I may be offended.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People should also remember that while things are much better in our times in the US, my parents (in their late-50's) grew up in a time where there were still signs "No blacks, No Jews, No dogs" outside hotels, apt buildings, restaurants, etc.

Jews have had an "us vs. them" mentality for 1000's of years. Jews were often segregated, discriminated against, and kicked out of various countries. Yes, in the year 2000, the US is pretty good to the Jews, but around the world and even 25-50 yrs ago, things were not as pleasant.

"Goy/goyim" vs. "yid/yidin" (Jew in yiddish) is not a slur, but rather a reflection of this division. Many Jews, particular observants Jews, work hard to maintain a Jewish identity in an age where assimilation is so nice and easy. Many feel that defining ones self as "Jewish" is crucial to maining the indentity of the Jewish nation/religion. To be "Jewish", others have to be "non-Jewish" or "goyish".

Again, not a slur or an insult, just an identity.

I agree in great part, but can see, based on my knowledge of apartheid in South Africa and Jim Crow laws in the United States, that some folks who are in the "non" category are going to object. There is an inevitable element of privilege and supremacy in needing to bolster one's identity by excluding others.

FWIW, my DH is Jewish and our children attend Jewish schools. I grew up in a white, nominally Christian household. I have no issue in being referred to as goy, but if I were a member of another "minority" culture in the United States, I may be offended.

I agree with this (and fwiw my DH is Jewish as well). There is an exclusionary tone to the use of the word. It may be that this is intended, but if the word is used in the presence of the non-member of the exclusive group, then, well, it's just rude. And yes, connotes privilege and supremacy.