Inclusion of Sweater Not in Good Taste
It took an innocent-sounding Chanukah sweater article in the Dec. 12 edition of the Jewish Exponent (“Chanukah Sweaters for the Entire Family”) to create a level of disgust and outrage motivating me to write this letter. On page 26, there is a picture of a toddler wearing one of these sweaters that says, “Happy Hanukkah Ya Filthy Schmuck.”
The outrage does not extend to the Exponent’s freedom to print such a picture. It goes to the Exponent’s concept of appropriateness and good taste.
My disgust is on so many other levels. That extends to the manufacturer and/or distributor who would put this on a child in the first instance; to the author who dismisses this as something “sassy”; to the editor who thinks it’s OK because the word “schmuck,” a Yiddish word that is a vulgar pejorative for penis, is used as one would use the word “jerk” in calling out another person.
No, it’s not OK. And to use a 2-year-old to get that point across is disgusting. But I repeat myself.
I’m not being prudish in indicating that there are limits of good taste, especially in a journal targeting this Jewish community. I am also pointing out that you crossed a line and apparently forgot to exercise good judgment.
Kenneth Shear | Abington
Appalled by Sweaters
I guess in this current environment of crudeness, someone thought sweatshirts with totally inappropriate sayings on them were OK for kids and teens. Do you really want your baby wearing a shirt that says “ya filthy schmuck” or “I’m here for the gelt” or a drug-related “I’m lit”?
I don’t think they are funny and I was totally appalled by them. Really?
Judy Filipkowski | Wilmington, Delaware
Merchandise Is Offensive
Regarding the article (about Chanukah sweaters), I am expressing my complete disappointment with the editorial decision to print it. In the current climate of misinterpretation of newspaper articles concerning any topic dealing with religion, race or sexual orientation, I was surprised to see your paper print such an outlandish and offensive story. It was not so much the idea of shopping for seasonal sweaters as it was to have a Jewish publication offer vulgar and offensive merchandise. If the clothing advertised appeared elsewhere it would be deemed anti-Semitic.
Nina Bonderow | Cheltenham
