Being Different

Not exactly sure what R Harry's point was in this post

http://haemtza.blogspot.com/2016/04/being-different.html

But it felt like he was looking for something to pick on. I will provide my feedback point by point:

" I am sure that Governor Kasich is not an antisemite"

- not sure how a Jew with a sense of history can make this kind of statement about anyone, surely not about someone he doesn't know very well, personally. And even then .... Just think about our history 

"Please do not misunderstand. I would be the first one to defend the the right of any group or individual to dress in any manner they please"

- would, but don't. In reality, you never cease to harangue those whom you deem to be 'extreme" beyond "mainstream"

"They do not want to look like the rest of a society whose culture they perceive as decadent and reject"

- not sure what Harry's source is on reasoning for traditional garb, but it sounds like he's projecting his own interpretation. My sense is that they are holding dearly to their tradition of dressing like their parents who, in turn, did the same. I've never heard any Hasidic acquaintance give Harry's reason

"Another more mainstream interpretation of this Halacha is that it applies only to the immoralities of their culture"

- yes, if you define "more mainstream" as "more like Harry". In reality this is such an insulting and ethnocentric statement. who's to say what interpretation is more "mainstream". What is 'mainstream' anyway, bigger numbers? Well, I have news for our middle of the road friend - the chasidim are winning. Just look at their numbers! I challenge our Midwestern maven to defend his statement!

"for Chasidim anything a non Jew does, should be avoided by a Jew"

- and if a Chasid were to make a statement that modern orthodox people are trying to water down the religion, would that be accurate? Not sure what prompts Harry to say this stuff

" I don’t think the Chasidic Jews succeeded in making a favorable impression on him either"

- why not? Just because you cringe from them doesn't meant he wasn't able to pick up on the beauty. I think you, as a centrist, davka should feel Jewish pride in all our segments, not the least of which those who observe our religion most passionately!

"I doubt for example that Governor Kasich or any non Jew that has this kind of encounter would ever say that their way of life is one that should be emulated."

If I'm reading this correctly our centrist chum is suggesting there is no place for chasidus in America because goyim's don't get it. Why is Harry so obsessed with what the goyim think ?? Is that in America centrism says a god should lead his life?