Beth A
New Haven, CT
My worst experience was in graduate school when an educated adult from a wealthy Connecticut town said “Oh, so THAT’s what a Jew looks like.” My response was “No. That’s what THIS Jew looks like.” Racism is not just about skin color. I have always embraced diversity and have a wide circle of friends. This may be because I know the pain of discrimination. It is so hurtful to me when people who have experienced discrimination in their own lives think it’s fine to discriminate against others. I’ve never understood why people think it’s acceptable to blame the ills of society on specific races or religions. I haven’t even practiced Judaism for over 30 years but still feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach when I hear some of the ignorant statements that people make.
