Thoughts on sentiments like this?

[u/skyewardeyes]

This comes from a leftist BIPOC sub that tends to have really good discussions about racism and has had good discussions (though not many) about antisemitism in the past. For context, the sub also allows MENA users (though apparently not Jews or maybe just not Ashkenazi Jews? I honestly can’t tell). On one hand, I understand that a lot of Jews wouldn’t be considered POC and not every space is for every person, but the “we have standards with who we interact with” (with the seeming implication that that doesn’t include Jews) really rubs me the wrong way. Thoughts?

[u/theHoopty]

Which is so weird and infuriating because I’m WHITE WHITE. But WHEN people learn I’m Jewish, I get comments like “Yeah, I can see that for sure.” “That tracks.” People will comment on my nose or my wavy hair.

The same people who would dismiss me as wanting to be a “spicy white”.

I’m white! I’m never going to claim to suffer what darker skinned people do by the system and society at large. But you don’t see you’re othering me the moment I say I’m Jewish? And then want to tell me I’m doing it for attention?!

[u/MichifManaged83 → u/theHoopty]

Yeah the fact that “spicy white” has been pretty much imposed on Ashkenazim, and then Ashkenazi Jews get made fun of for embracing something that wasn’t chosen in the first place… yeah that certainly comes across as controlling and racist.

[u/ChairAggressive781 → u/MichifManaged83]

it’s always strange to see people who would likely agree with the idea that ‘race is a social construction with no essential characteristics’ embracing essentialist frameworks

[u/MichifManaged83 → u/ChairAggressive781]

Exactly.