We’ve all laughed, but what was once a harmless joke is just not funny any more. Today, with the explosion of social media, there’s really no such thing as a “private” joke. Nothing is private and a joke is no longer just innocent. Sadly, it’s not us but the times we live in. A cute or semi-insulting picture or WhatsApp post often finds its way onto social media and is immediately misconstrued as frum Jews as being racist, xenophobic, or worse. The unthinking actions of one individual cause many of us to shake our heads and hide in shame. We can & must do better. It’s no longer just a “Frum” thing. By now we really should understand that every action, big or small, has a potential reaction. A harmless prank or an insensitive costume on Purim, once no big deal, can have serious repercussions for our broader community putting Jews in harm’s way. We’ve seen it all too often. Don’t take my word for it, ask former Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who meant no harm several years ago when he dressed up in blackface as an NBA basketball player. No longer is a private joke just a joke. Social media has changed all that. Nothing is private if it’s posted on Twitter, Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook, etc. The secular media has hungry reporters and individuals looking for negative stories to post about us. There’s no shortage, unfortunately. Don’t become the story. Think how the outside world will view your fake dreadlocks or your Purim turban. Think! I specifically point to the centuries-old custom of hanging an effigy of Haman. Today, unfortunately, we are living in a time of unprecedented antisemitism. Jews know how it feels to be singled out for harassment & hate. Be it a bomb threat, knockout attacks, or swastikas, we understand hatred, and we understand intolerance. But we don’t have a monopoly on those feelings. Other communities, particularly minorities, suffer discrimination too. They, like us, know how it feels to be targeted and we need to be sensitive to that reality. Outsiders don’t understand the harmless symbolism of the hanging Haman. It’s just not funny in the current environment. It is cruel and yes, dangerous. Think how outsiders will view you. If it doesn’t pass the smell test, it likely stinks. The world has its own interpretations of us, and it is not farfetched to see our harmless Purim fun misconstrued in a very sinister way. It happens every day. Think about how your actions will be viewed. Please just think before you do. ‎Look,‎ I love Purim and I absolutely hate political correctness. But we are in galus, and we must be sensitive to the world around us. Double parking, public drunkenness, and bad behavior is something normal people can all agree is not appropriate, even on Purim. We have neighbors, Jews and non- Jews alike, who need to considered before vomiting on their lawn or blocking their driveway. It’s just not cool or Jewish to run around all night screaming at the top of your lungs, disturbing sleeping neighbors. ‎Please, by all means, go out, collect tzedakah, and have a blast, but remember who and where you are. Enjoy your private party, but try to keep it private. Let’s enjoy the concept of ‘live and let […]
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