Acting Jewish

Upon reviewing for the mid-term, I found a passage speaking about acting "common" or "Jewish" (231). Rich tells that during her childhood, she was urged to not be a "too flamboyant" Jew. She distinguished that acting Jewish meant speaking loudly, dressing scantily, and possessing spontaneity. She felt she was acting Jewish if she "laughed too loudly or spoke aggressively" (231). These stereotypes as well as others are still very present today. Today, Jewish people are commonly associated with having big noses, and being very careful with their finances. The other day someone came in my room and told me a Jewish joke: Why do Jews play football? So they can get the quarter back". Although the joke is humorous, it illustrates how much some people like to criticize Jewish folks for no apparent reason. I have found that some people enjoy bashing people of the Jewish faith. If the stigma in the 1950's was similar to what they are today, it is apparent why Rich, her sister, and mother would make a conscious effort to conceal their Jewish association.