No room for old prejudices, stereotypes

"Raise your hand and point your finger.

On the map, just let it linger.

Anywhere you point your finger to,

There's someone with the same type blood as you."

— Hebrew Union College, 1950s

With the election of Barack Obama to the U.S. presidency, I am looking forward to our country putting behind many of the old prejudices that have plagued our nation since its founding. We must remember, however, that there is more than just racial prejudice to overcome in America — there are also many other kinds of intolerance based on outdated, harmful stereotypes. Let me describe one example that I just witnessed.

On Nov. 8, while in the East Brunswick Public Library, I was pleased to observe three young teens having fun together at one computer. They were of different backgrounds: African-American, Caucasian and Hispanic. "How wonderful," I thought, as I saw them laughing together. "This might not have happened in the 1960s."

But my enthusiasm was tempered when one of them said loudly to the other two, "I have a friend who really proved his Jewishness the other day; I dropped a dollar, and he swooped down to pick it up!" Perhaps he thought he was being funny, given that he was talking about his "friend," but I was shocked and offended that this ridiculous and incorrect stereotype persists.

It is the sad truth that, for centuries, European Jews were forbidden to enter professions such as medicine or law and they were barred from many trade jobs. The only options for them included metal smiths and moneylending. When they wanted to be paid back (as all moneylenders do, regardless of their ethnicity), the stereotype of the money-grubbing Jew was born. No one wants to be judged by ethnic stereotypes, including Jews, who, like every other ethnic group in America, have contributed greatly to our country.

The East Brunswick Public Library is the heart and soul of our community; everyone is welcome, regardless of their age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or religion. There is a teen room, a study room and a computer room — there is no room for prejudice.

Bonnie Veaner Parks

East Brunswick