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Behind the Aegis

(54,853 posts)
Wed Sep 29, 2021, 02:54 PM Sep 2021

(Jewish Group) Funny, but kind of sad, too.

Normally, I simply post articles I find interesting as they relate to Jewish life. Many are about anti-Semitism, a real fact in Jewish life, much to the dismay of self-proclaimed liberals/progressives, and, sadly, more than a few Jews. However, I also post, as do others, on other aspects of Jewish culture and life, including topics about cooking, cross-cultural exchanges, intersectionality and the Jew, and, of course, our holidays, traditions, and religion. This post is a bit out of step, but I couldn't help myself, especially given how I am currently feeling with certain revelations I have experienced as of late.

In Oklahoma, one of the largest universities is Oklahoma State University. My husband graduated there, and I worked for the system several years ago. Recently it has spread to satellite campuses across the state. It is a good university and a pretty good reputation. The newest catalogue of satellite courses being offered arrived at our home, most of the courses are just light-hearted ones, like flower-arranging, cooking, and other such topics one might find at a community college offering continuing education courses for fun. One course is one I thought my cinephile of a husband would really enjoy, "Mel Brooks Rides Again: A Study of His Greatest Comedy Movies". Given we have his entire collection, have watched those movies ad nauseum, I looked at the description, and by the last line of the paragraph, I laughed out loud.

If bawdy humor is not your bag, or if Jewish references distress you, maybe sit this one out.

And there it was, in typical Jewish humor, a truth actually lying underneath; some people have a real problem with Jews. I don't know this teacher, so I don't know if this was done tongue-in-cheek, or if she has had issues in the past. I do intend on reaching out to her because I really want to know. Still, I couldn't help but laugh at the description, knowing, well, that has been my experience too.

Sadly, the class has already started, so my husband can't attend, but who knows, maybe in the future. My work, however, is cut out for me because despite being with a Jew for 20 years, some of our humor largely escapes him. I have to do better!

While I am at it, do read, "People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present" by Dara Horn. Eye-opening. I have torn this book in just a few days. I only have one chapter left...you know what, I think I am going to go finish it.
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(Jewish Group) Funny, but kind of sad, too. (Original Post) Behind the Aegis Sep 2021 OP
I always appreciate your posts, MyMission Sep 2021 #1

MyMission

(2,000 posts)
1. I always appreciate your posts,
Wed Sep 29, 2021, 06:13 PM
Sep 2021

Here especially but in other groups too. Thanks for the book recommendation. I'll put it on the list and keep it in mind for winter reading, as a Chanukah or Christmas gift.

I'm also curious what the teacher will say about why she wrote what she did.
Keep us posted. Perhaps the class will be offering again.



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