Letter to the Editor: Discrimination at Brandeis
Published: January 20, 2006Section: Opinions
To the Editor:
I would like to say a few words about the oppression and discrimination here at Brandeis that Mr. Montgomery talks about. Let me share with you all just how right he is. The first day I got here and openly said that I was a Christian, I was verbally berated. I learned that I was responsible for all manner of atrocity ranging from the Holocaust to the Crusades. If that wasn't enough, it didnt end there. I frequently wake up to see stars of David burned into the grass outside. As I try to sleep, people shout graphic descriptions of the sacking of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple outside my doorall the while screaming, you did it! Welcome to my life, the life of one of those crazy Jesus people at Brandeis.
In this life on mine, none of that happens. In this life no one tried to prevent me from having my views or discriminating against me, no one called me anything rude. I would even go as far as to say it is inane to suggestthat them JOOOs are oppressing me. However, I read the article in the Dec. 9 issue and decided that maybe it was just me. One of the things that really got me was the story of the girl who was an inquisitor. Well, I figured I would avenge her, so I went up to a random Jew down the hall (I actually did this) and told him he killed God. He looked at me funny, said, Ok. A, that is historically inaccurate, and B, I wasnt there. Now this threw me for a loop, how is it that people could not be emotionally ravished when someone accuses them of something totally ridiculous?
Ok, I am going to stop being sarcastic now. I promise. Really, just for you all. So, there are a few other things. First, this whole Brandeis thing. Now this really confused me, I show up the first day and there are all these Jewish people. It is like one would almost think that Brandeis was a non-sectarian Jewish sponsored school. Personally, I thought it would be predominately Catholicmistake on my part. So, back to your article. From your article I would think the right no not be offended is constitutional. Now,my personal beliefs is that no one has the right to not be offended. You cite some racism in the past things that are not nearly comparable to a joke about Mary. Maybe people could learn to deal with it?
Anyway, thanks for waging the war on intolerance Mr. Montgomery. I fear we may lose, and as a result am off to hide under my desk. Them Jews wont call me names if I am hiding under there!
Joel Todoroff '09