Monday, July 15, 2002

The End of Times approaches? Send this entry to: Del.icio.us Spurl Ma.gnolia Digg Newsvine Reddit

The End of Times approaches? I live in a "bohemian" neighborhood in the southeast quarter of Portland. There is a spot on Hawthorne street where hippies always have a mat spread-and they just hang out. Usually they're talking to people passing by-trying to sell their beads. As I was walking back from the bookstore, I noticed a butch lesbian talking to a traditionally dressed Orthodox Jew. Both were in their twenties. As I neared I heard the lesbian talking about the rights of the Arabs in Israel. Just as I passed, the Orthodox Jew started talking. This is what happened: Orthodox Jew: Yo, yo, you heard about the 6-day War? Me: [Confused, I turn around to confirm that this is the Orthodox Jew talking-and I note that his hands are up in the air, gesticulating like Snoop-Doggy-Dog] Orthodox Jew: Yo, you gotta known that Israel was only 6 miles wide jee! I mean, who are the Arabs tryin' to front? OK, this is not a joke. Do I have any Jewish readers? The man was dressed exactly as an Orthodox Jew would dress. His beard and locks looked imaculate to my goyish eyes. But is talking like a gangster from the hood problematic? And what does it say about our culture when observant Jews (who are Israel hawks to boot) are gettin' down with the street? If you ever visit Portland, and you're walking down the street, and gaggle of Torah scholars stop and strike a pose-look you up and down, and say, "Wassup?", then you'll have met them too....