Am I just being over sensitive?

[florida-again]

A radio news report was reporting that someone had bought a football (soccer) team. They refered to the man as 'Russian JEWISH Billionaire...(and then whatever his name was).

Am I over sensitive or is that totally wrong? Why Jewish? They wouldn't say black or Christian, so why Jewish? Perhaps to make a point about him being rich?

I'm Jewish but not generally sensitive about these things, but I really found that offensive!

 

[CapeCodTenor]

I find that a little strange myself. There shouldn't be any reason to mention that he's Jewish.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

No, you're not being over-sensitive. It's completely stupid to think that the man's religion is newsworthy in that context.

It happens with adopted children all the time, too. The media makes a distinction between a person's adopted kids and biological kids, which offends me as an adoptive mom. So if you're being over-sensitive, I guess I am, too!

 

[keepinitreal]

Am I over sensitive or is that totally wrong? Why Jewish? They wouldn't say black or Christian, so why Jewish? Perhaps to make a point about him being rich?

Umm, yes they would say black or christian. Doesn't bother me either way!

 

[Huggles]

I think it may be something to do with the fact that his father owns a variety of other sports teams in Israel itself. However, can't see it as essential to bring his religion into it.

 

[justhat]

I don't think it's any stranger than specifying that he's Russian. I mean, why was that necessary either? Neither seems necessary to me, but neither would offend me either. If it were used in a derogatory manner then I would consider it offensive, but just stating his religion would not bother me at all.

 

[jgmklmhem]

I just think it is such an interesting combination that it was used. Probably would not have said American Christian seeing as the majority of US is Christian, but someone who is Russian and Jewish is a little bit less common. Information that is not needed but thrown in in many news articles.

 

[catgurlars]

wats wrong with being a rich jewish person?

 

[Caradana]

To make a parallel: to be Jewish is generally about more than religion, it's also associated with a unique culture and a discrete place (Israel). In America, we have the Mormons, a group also associated with religion + unique culture + place (Utah). When the media describes a wealthy individual with that background, they do tend to identify him as a Mormon. I think they're trying to encapsulate religion, culture, and origin in one word.

There's got to be more too it than this. I'm just not smart enough to figure it out.

 

[EltonJohn]

A radio news report was reporting that someone had bought a football (soccer) team. They refered to the man as 'Russian JEWISH Billionaire...(and then whatever his name was).

Roman Abramovich? He owns Chelsea.

Am I over sensitive or is that totally wrong?

I think you might be over-sensitive in this case.

Why Jewish? They wouldn't say black or Christian, so why Jewish? Perhaps to make a point about him being rich?

Because he is Jewish. According to the Wikipedia link above: "Abramovich is most famous outside of Russia as the owner of Chelsea F.C., an English Premiership football club, his wider involvement in European football, and for his contributions to Jewish enterprises in Israel and elsewhere, reflecting his Jewish origins."

He appears to be quite open about his Jewish heritage, is involved in Jewish enterprises, etc. and this is probably the reason that they pointed out he was Jewish.

 

[Skywalker]

I don't think it's any stranger than specifying that he's Russian. I mean, why was that necessary either? Neither seems necessary to me, but neither would offend me either. If it were used in a derogatory manner then I would consider it offensive, but just stating his religion would not bother me at all.

What she said.

 

[florida-again]

Actually it wasn't Roman Abromovich. Maybe that was why they stressed it though, because Roman Abromovich is also a Jewish Russian Billionaire and also owns a football team...I dunno.

Should add I wasn't desperately offencded, just thought it was a bit unecessary really.