Enough With The ‘Ashkenormativity,’ Buzzfeed
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
By Anne Cohen March 23, 2015
Another day, another Buzzfeed Jewish-centric video. And much like their other chosen productions, it’s incredibly Ashkenormative.
“11 Things Jewish Friends Just Get” tells the tale of two nominally Jewish ladies, who have to stick together in the face of incredibe goyish ignorance. Thank God someone in this room understands what “schlepping” means, amirite?
Aside from being a generally inane piece of content, as a Sephardi of Moroccan origin, I find the repeated equating of “Jewish” with “Yiddish” tiresome. While I understand the impulse to celebrate the cemented bond that comes with being able to declare “This tastes like Manischewitz” and have your friend know exactly what that means, it’s not a universal Jewish experience. It’s an Ashkenazi one.
If you search #chleu (French slang for Moroccan Jew — Note: kosher for insiders only; if you’re not Jewish, don’t use it) on Instagram, you will find a slew of Sephardi memes. Some apply to all Jews (and basically anyone who’s ever been to a wedding): “Going to a wedding and having the elders tell you ‘You’re next.’”
Some are more Sephardi-specific: “Oh yeah, you ate a lot over Christmas? Just wait until I invite you over for daf.” (Dafina, a stew of meat, potato, egg and chickpeas much like cholent, puts the consumer in an instant food coma.)
If we want to get even more insider-y, there are the jokes only Montreal Moroccan Jews will understand:
I’d explain, but:
The point is, Judaism, even in its most basic, cultural form, isn’t defined by whether or not you can spell “kvetch.” So, enough Buzzfeed. Enough.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
