I Am A Jewish Chauvinist

My natural inclination is to think that Jews and all things Jewish are the best and that at all times and in all places they are superior to their non-Jewish alternatives.

I converted to Orthodox Judaism. I changed my whole life and identity to do this Jewish thing. My whole being is wrapped up in being Jewish. I naturally incline to seeing what’s awesome about my new identity and to denigrate those who are outside the tribe.

Unless I put myself in a philosophical frame of mind, unless I picture myself miles above the earth looking down on humanity with objectivity, I side with my group.

I expect members of other groups to be similarly chauvinistic. I remember that when I was an Anglo-Christian, I took for granted that we were God’s chosen people, that we were superior, that we created the most awesome countries.

Because I take this kind of chauvinism for granted, I find admirable people who are able to accurately criticize their own.

I don’t know exactly why I blog. It is probably some kind of compulsion. I blog about what I need to work out in my own mind.

About Luke Ford

I've written five books (see Amazon.com). My work has been covered in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and on 60 Minutes. I teach Alexander Technique in Beverly Hills (Alexander90210.com).
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