Boycotting Jewish Bagels: Myths and Realities

The idea of boycotting Jewish bagels is a peculiar and misguided notion that often stems from a lack of understanding. From asserting that it is only possible to boycott bagels made by circumcised individuals, to questioning if all bagels from Jewish people should be boycotted, one can quickly see that the concept is fraught with inaccuracies and misunderstandings. In this article, we will explore the myths surrounding the idea of boycotting Jewish bagels, and why such actions are not only unnecessary but potentially damaging.

Myth 1: Only Bagels Made by 'Circumcised' Jews Can Be Boycotted

The suggestion that one can only boycott bagels made by circumcised individuals is a fantastical notion. Circumcision, a religious ritual, does not have a direct correlation with dietary choices or cultural practices. That would be akin to suggesting that only women who wear headscarves can boycott kebabs, or that only men who own suits can boycott suits. It’s a wildly absurd idea that serves more as a pawn for misunderstanding and prejudice.

Myth 2: Boycotting All Bagels Made by Jews

Another variant of this myth suggests that one should boycott all bagels made by Jewish people. This is a more common misconception but still fraught with inaccuracies. The vast majority of bagels sold in grocery stores and cafes are made by people of various backgrounds, including Jewish and non-Jewish bakers. The myth overlooks the reality that the term 'Jewish bagel' is often used more as a cultural descriptor tied to the migration history and the New York City culture that around the bagel, rather than an ethnic or religious affiliation. Furthermore, Sara Lee, a well-known brand, makes bagels, and they are not Jewish. Thus, boycotting Jewish bagels made by Jewish people would be targeting a minor subset of the market without addressing the real issue.

Myth 3: Specificity of Bagels

There is a common assumption that bagels have a specific Jewish origin, which is simply not accurate. Bagels have a long and rich history that predates their association with Jewish cuisine. They were actually first mentioned in the 13th century in Poland, long before the Jewish people adopted them as a central part of their culinary repertoire. This point underscores the importance of not attributing cultural or ethnic significance to a food item solely based on religious or cultural assumptions.

Conclusion: Rational Thinking and Openness

The insistence on boycotting Jewish bagels is not only a misguided action but can also be seen as an attempt to enforce cultural norms through exclusion. It’s important to understand the cultural significance of food and recognize the complexity of origins and associations. Instead of boycotting a specific type of food, individuals should focus on understanding and respecting the diverse culinary traditions that contribute to the global food scene. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and welcoming community where everyone can enjoy the exquisite flavors of bagels without fear or prejudice.

So, why not try one out? Smeared with a little melted butter and your choice of jelly, the bagel experience could be a delightful adventure that you won’t want to miss. Plus, it’s much more fun to criticize your choices than to complain about them. After all, someone’s miss is someone else’s delight!

Keywords: Jewish bagels, bagel boycott, cultural appropriation