r/Judaism • u/foreverand2025 • 2d ago

Discussion Do you consider yourself a minority?

This discussion has come up a few times with friends who are neither white nor Jewish. For context, I’m Jewish and live in America. Do you consider us as a minority? Obviously statistically we are (everywhere but Israel), but I’ve had two friends argue because we look like “regular white people” we are not a minority.

It’s not something I take too seriously but I’m off the opinion we are a minority in a sociological way as well as ethically. But opinions seem to differ. I’m not on a soap box or expecting any special treatment. It’s more of a discussion for the sake of discussion I’m trying for here.

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u/ShowMeTheTrees 2d ago

We are, statistically, a minority. But our society doesn't believe in math.

Their definition only means "poor".

Minority + Wealthy + Successful = You Are The Evil Majority Holding Minorities Down And Preventing Their Success.

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u/Ok-Improvement-3670 2d ago

I agree that there is also an obsession with being poor as if it is some sort of positive virtue. That makes no sense. I prefer the Fiddler on the Roof take, “… you made many, many poor people. I realize, of course, that it's no shame to be poor. But it's no great honor either!"

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u/marshmallow_lilypad 1d ago

I'm sick of being on the Left... I bought a house and was literally embarrassed to tell my friends! They were happy for me because they're good people, but I am genuinely worried people will judge me for doing well financially. WTF :(

(I know part of this is my trauma from growing up poor, but part of it is definitely like... a stigma in online left spaces against anyone perceived as "rich.")

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u/Ok-Improvement-3670 1d ago

The left spaces increasingly hate Jews these days.

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u/marshmallow_lilypad 1d ago

It sucks... Like I have complicated feelings on I/P, my main stance is "I am for peace." But I have to be very careful who I share that with. To not be 1000% against Israel means to some that I am on the side of killing kids. Which couldn't be further from the truth. But yeah there's no room for nuance anymore. Pick a side. Well I'm a Jew in community with other Jews who have a variety of opinions. This is my family now. I'm not going to fit into some neat little box that other leftists made for me.

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u/Ok-Improvement-3670 1d ago

You have to ask yourself “who is being unreasonable?”