A wise friend once told me that a person who is mean and stupid is not worth a single moment of your time. If a person is just mean, you might have a rational discussion by appealing to his or her intellect. If a person is not the sharpest tool in the shed, but kind – you may appeal to his or her heart. Mean and Stupid – “Forget about it!!!!”
I am moved to write today because that two by four (Utah Mormon culture) smacked by daughter upside the head. For the umpteenth time, one of her high school friends (if you can really call it a friend) called her a non-practicing Jew. It must make them feel better about their friendship with her to make such an absurd remark. They have the audacity to think because we do not practice our religion in the same manner in which they practice theirs, they can rattle off such a mean and stupid comment. Amy is mortified that she is accused of “just saying she is Jewish because she thinks it is cool.” Seriously, what is wrong with these people?????? Amy and I chatted a long time about this strange place and she feels tremendous relief that she is finally “out of there!” Narrow minds and ignorance no longer hurt her as she now inhabits a place where people can disagree without being disagreeable.
So after our conversation, I was reminded of the words of my dear friend about those people who are mean and stupid. Call us crazy – but this family will stick to people who are kind hearted and intelligent. Thank goodness we know what that looks like - it is part of our culture. So for those of you who fit into the other category – “FORGET ABOUT IT!!!”
12 comments:
Wait is your daughter a practicing jew? I know several jewish people and they are very dedicated to sabbath observance and keeping Kosher. I know very little about the Jewish religion and would love to be informed. I am a mormon person and my jewish friends call mormons "jews who believe in christ" They say that kosher is similar to our word of wisdom. Thanks
I have never heard that "mormons" are jews who believe in christ" from any Jewish person. I have been told by many mormons that Judaism and Mormonism have a lot in common.
Then why do you bash on the mormon religion so much if it has so much in common with your religion? there isnt much respect in this blog at all...
I never said the two religions have anything in common, just that I have had Mormons tell me that. I am sorry you do not think I have been respectful, but I disagree, as do the majority of my readers, both LDS and others. I simply try to share certain events in our lives and how my family copes.
I have found your bog to be an interesting read. I appreciate your view on living in Utah and how it has impacted your family. However, I cringe everytime you write "these people" or similar phrases. I hope when you do so you are speaking about a specific person(s) and not about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a whole. I would love to see a post expressing some of the positives you have found living among Mormons. It can't be all bad afterall, you haven't moved.
Hi Angela. When I say "these people", I am not talking about all Mormons, just the ones who have been unkind to our family and other non- mormon families I know. Utah is a beautiful place to live, but it has been challenging and often hurtful for my children. We do not have the option of moving for many reasons, but I do hope that will not always be the case.
It horrifies me when I consider that so many world cultures hate the Jewish people, whether they are very religiously observant individuals, or just culturally steeped in random traditions, or an individual with the genetic of the jewish lineage.
Personally I am enraged that Iran's leader is making such horrific statements about his ability to launch missles that can reach Israel. To do so on Yom Kippur is especially pernicious.
May the Jewish people worldwide stand firm, and may the United States and her allies show great wisdom during this time of crisis.
I've been reading the recent posts and followup comments from bloggers and I am really surprised at the negativity being shown of late! Seriously, are they not reading what is written here? I have to throw my 2cents in here and just say I have known Jill and her family for awhile and NEVER have I heard them put down my Mormon religion, never bash me or my lifestyle (single mom, drinks beer, works 4 jobs, doesn't attend church regularly), and certainly never judge me for not being a practicing whatever I am. This is the nicest family I've met in YEARS - and they are more fair and open and honest and more REAL than any of the Mormons and non-Mormons I personally know in Utah. Isn't it funny how some are so quick to jump to conclusions and opinions just because "they" are not like "us"?? People - chill. Do take a good long hard look in your mirror and just BE. Life is too short to project our own short-coming onto others!! Make the most of it and have your opinions and your criticism and your quick-to-judge moments, yet remember once those words leave your mouth you cannot take them back. Pay it forward - sugar goes much further than salt, and maybe - eventually - that reflection might actually smile back.
Thanks Teresa!
Teresa obviously has a chip on her shoulder from something, I think everyone has the right to their own opinion, and the right to critisize others opinions.
Hey Anonymous,
I am Jewish by birth as are the great majority of Jews in the world. We feel religion is a very personal choice and do not chastise anyone for how they choose to practice their own personal religion...my point, there is no such thing as a non-practicing Jew. Mormons are only similar to Jews in the fact that we both believe in the Old Testament. I live in Utah and have many LDS friends and do not judge them by how often they attend church, so in turn please don't judge us.
Finally, I think you should read the blog again, there is no bashing, just perspective from someone not in the majority.
Carlton, you are very wrong about Teresa. A chip on her shoulder??? Why - for defending me and my family??? I do agree with you about the right to your own opinion though. However, you are not the only one with that right - I have it and so does Teresa!
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