I knew a lot of Jewish kids growing up, and many of their parents, and I can think of exactly one that was loud and obnoxious. And he really was loud and obnoxious, he was a (slightly) famous physics professor at the university I attended, but I knew him from childhood.
A non-practicing Jew originally from NYC, he was a vehement, outspoken, completely intolerant atheist. A childhood friend told me (at his funeral) a story about how he was at their house for dinner one night with his family (he and my friend's father were friends from way back) and this guy started daring G-d to strike him dead while he said G-damn over and over. This is in front of the kids, everyone, at the dinner table. My friend's father finally shushed him, but the whole thing must have been incredibly obnoxious and unsettling.
I don't have to tell you where on the political spectrum this professor was located.
Anyway, he was the only one. Most of my Jewish friends were professors, or engineers. They were quiet, studious, sincere, and all men I looked up to and admired. Even the professor I mentioned above, who when I was in fifth grade asked me a question that — because it was very hard to answer — literally set me on my path in life, which continues to this day.
I didn’t say it was a valid stereotype.
It’s just what it is.
Anyway, he was the only one. Most of my Jewish friends were professors, or engineers. They were quiet, studious, sincere, and all men I looked up to and admired. Even the professor I mentioned above, who when I was in fifth grade asked me a question that — because it was very hard to answer — literally set me on my path in life, which continues to this day.
It is such comments that make me wish more Freepers had invested in an “about page” for further explanation of their path in life.