Is saying "Jew" is racist?

Post Reply New Topic

For some odd strange reason whenever I say word "Jew" in general, I always think that I'm being racist , I don't know why but something about it makes me feel like I'm being offensive to someone, do you think saying "Jew" in general is racist?

Yes it is. Being Jewish isn't just a religion, it is indeed a race as well.

Depends on the context.

I don't think it is racist, no more so that referring to any other racial group. However, I understand what you are saying. It has been used as a term of hatred by so many people over the years that it seems to have racist overtones to it even when none are intended. The word has also been used to mean "thief" or "conman" too, so it is certainly a "loaded" word.

As a Jew myself, I don't find it offensive, and I would say that neither do any other Jewish people I know. There's really not another word for it, is there? I don't think it's any more offensive than calling someone white or black.

Depends on context. The term "Jew" or "Jewish" to describe people of Jewish ancestry or religion is accepted use of English without any perjorative meaning.

However, there is a musical instrument called a formerly called a "Jew's Harp", which is nowadays called "Jaws Harp".

I say it heavily relies on context and situation as others have mentioned before, if you are talking about someone who is Jewish or of Jewish decent then it is ok. However it has been used lately to insult people and such.

I don't think that it's racist.

No it is not. It's just like saying "Chinese" or "Italian". But I think I understand where you're coming from. Everytime I think about the word "Jew" it reminds me of the Holocaust and so it would feel guilty to say the word.

It's not racist, it's anti-semitic.

If I said Amy Winehouse is Jewish or Amy Winehouse is British Jew, it would be sth wrong?

No because if you say a jew is a jew, it's because they are. It's only when you use it as a serious insult and your motive is to offend them is when it becomes an "-ist" of anything. Not sure about racist though because any race can follow the jewish religion can't they.