I Want A Moratorium On ‘Debunking Stereotypes’ Stories

From today’s Jewish Journal:

Woody Allen’s oft-told joke about the paucity of Jewish sports heroes reinforces stereotypes going back centuries. A noteworthy example comes from sociologist Edward Ross, a Protestant, who about 100 years ago had this to say about Jews: "On the physical side, the Hebrews are the polar opposite of our pioneer breed. Not only are they undersized and weak-muscled, but they shun bodily activity and are exceedingly sensitive to pain."

In the first half of the last century, American Jews refuted these stereotypes not only by dominating such urban sports as boxing and basketball, but also by enlisting disproportionately in the armed forces in World War I and II.

Some of today’s star Jewish athletes from all around the world, at least those in their early to midteens, will get a chance to display their speed, strength and agility at the JCC Maccabi Games in Orange County. The games will open Aug. 12 at the Honda Center in Anaheim and will continue through Aug. 17 at the Merage Jewish Community Center and other locations in Irvine and Newport Beach.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the JCC Maccabi Games, which take place every year in the United States (unlike the Maccabiah Games in Israel, which occur every four years). More than 4,000 athletes are expected to compete in 13 sports categories at this summer’s JCC Maccabi Games, which include contests in Houston and Baltimore this week, as well as in Orange County.