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Carol Gould's 'Don't Tread on Me --anti-Americanism Abroad'
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| Last
uploaded : Saturday 15th Aug 2009 at 17:38 |
| Contributed
by : American expatriate in London |
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I'd like to thank you for writing Don't Tread on Me. Like you, I'm a Jewish American expat. I've only lived in London for 2.5 years, but it has been long enough. I agree with so much of what you've said -- like you, I have witnessed these attitudes first hand, and like you, I'm often told by my well-meaning European friends that perhaps I'm being just a little bit paranoid.
And yet...
I've had numerous conversations with acquaintances during which I've tried to "re-educate" them on their scary misconceptions, especially about Jewry. It's amazing how the same stereotypes that began in the middle ages still persist today. I've resorted to doing research on where these stereotypes could have possibly originated, in an attempt to arm myself for future arguments. I've learned a lot in the process, though I'm no better able to talk anyone out of years of antisemitic social conditioning. I have other (Jewish) friends back home who ask me why I bother. But I feel that if I do not address the seeds of hatred I come across in my personal life, then I am as culpable as anyone else for allowing those seeds to spread.
I'm not at all religious, in fact I have my own demons with the religious aspect of Jewish culture and haven't been near a synagogue in 20 years. And yet, I've never felt more Jewish than I do in England. I feel like it's something I have to defend. I've even considered attending services just so I might meet other people in my situation. But I think instead I am just going to move back home to the U.S. as soon as I am able.
All the best,
(Name withheld)
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