How-To Guide: Creating Jewish Characters

No problem. I’ll try my best. :blush::smile:
Here are some stereotypes about Jews:

  • I’ll start with a very known stereotype: “A Jewish nose” - there’s no such thing as “a Jewish nose”, if you know what I mean :woman_facepalming:t4:.Yeah, some Jews do have a big nose, but it doesn’t mean that all the Jews have it. This is a particularly strong stereotype. (Well, it could be considered as an Anti-Semitic stereotypes, if you ask me. But, hey, you can create a Jewish character with a big nose as long as it’s not based on that stereotypes. Anyway, all nose shapes are accepted)

  • “Red-haired Jews” - not all the Ashkenazi Jews have red hair. Some Sepharadim can have red hair as well.

  • Here is a common stereotypes: Jews answer a question with a question. Well, some Jews actually do it :sweat_smile::sweat_smile:, but it doesn’t mean that we all do the same.

  • Have you ever heard the term "Jewish wife stereotype" (also known as “the Jewish mother”)? Well, it’s a common stereotype and stock character, used by Jewish and non-Jewish authors, film writer, comadian, etc (just to name some). It’s a really common stereotype mainly among authors and comadians (including Jewish ones). The stereotype usually describe a nagging, overprotective, loud, highly-talktive, manipulative, overbearing mother or wife, who persists in interfering In her children’s lives long after they have become adults.
    It can also involve a overly proud & loving mother who is too overprotective about her children in front of others.

In Hebrew, they also call it “the Polish mother” (Ha’eema ha’polania), but the characteristics of the stereotypes are attributed to the Jewish mother regardless of her racial ethnicity.

  • “Jews always pursue their own interest and not the interest of the country they live in”. It’s so insolent to say such a thing.

  • “JAP (or Jewish American Princess)” - This is already a pejorative stereotype that protays some Jewish women who have a wealthy background as poilted brats, implying selfishness.

I will let you know if there are more.


Note: some stereotypes about Jews can be Anti-Semitic.

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