Letters: Being called ‘Jew' offends me. Should it be banned? Who gets to decide?

San Francisco Chronicle​

2 days ago

Regarding 'Trump wants to 'Make Indians Great Again' — by bringing back slurs to a school gymnasium near you' (Open Forum, SFChronicle.com, July 28): Who determines what's offensive?
A Washington Post op-ed says 'Jew' is fine, and the Chronicle uses it commonly. I'm Jewish, and I find that offensive. I was called 'that Jew boy' growing up.
Is it OK for people of color to use the N-word all the time?
Roosevelt Drive may be offensive to Japanese Americans because they had family members who were imprisoned under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's order during World War II.
There are so many names offensive to one person and not another.
Where does it stop? Maybe just give everything a digital address.
James Sandler, Pleasanton
Defend higher education
By structuring success for immigrants, low-income youth and other underrepresented young people, universities help to build an educated populace. What do all of us have to gain from investment in forward thinking like this? Hopeful, engaged and skillful people in our communities.
The institutions and programs now under attack are those that build the capacity of students while spreading affirmative energy into all our lives.
When young people in our community achieve and thrive, we are all uplifted and enriched.
Shirl Buss, San Rafael
Stop the blame game
Unfortunately, many of them declare Hamas responsible for Israel's war tactics. Could Hamas really end Israel's siege by releasing the hostages or by surrendering power? Maybe.
Maybe Ukraine could end Russia's invasion by severing its alliances with the West.
Maybe if Israel had ceased its decades of occupation and violence against Palestinians before 2023, Hamas would not have initiated the Oct. 7 attack.
True or not, this kind of victim-blaming is unseemly. We should hold perpetrators of violence — including U.S. and Israeli leaders — responsible for their own actions.
Jewish groups blaming Hamas for Israel's campaign of mass murder only succeed in making Jews look grotesque.
Harry Chomsky, Albany
Tariffs don't add up
Let's do the math.
U.S. imports of goods in 2024 were $3.3 trillion. A 15% overall tariff would bring in $495 billion. U.S. consumers will pay this tab, not corporations. There were 340 million people in the U.S. in 2024. That's $1,455 per person.
The tariffs are a tax on consumers. Low-wage earners spend all their income on goods and services. The investor class spends a small portion of their income on goods and services.
Who then benefits the most? Think about it.
Barry Shiller, San Francisco
Rethink MAGA support
Regarding 'Why S.F.'s Democratic sheriff endorsed a MAGA supporter for California governor' (Joe Garofoli, SFChronicle.com, Aug. 1): Perhaps San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto should take a good look in the mirror.
He and I are subject to being detained and relocated under the Trump administration, just as his Japanese American ancestors were during World War II.
Vickie Downey, Corning
Group won't capitulate
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists announced Aug. 1 that it would no longer accept any federal dollars to support its programs because of the Trump administration's policies, particularly those regarding diversity, equity and inclusiveness. According to the group, DEI is integral to its mission.
I am so proud that my professional organization has taken this stand. I hope that other professional organizations will be brave enough to follow its lead.