Lots of questions, but let me see ....

1. I don't think it's racist so long as you aren't using 1 stereotype that you believe only fits that one race as the point of the joke.

2. I agree that self-preservation is a good instinct ... it is not a bad thing to approach situations with a bit of caution.

3. Well, I guess my question is are you talking about jewish as a religion/culture or jewish as a race? I come from a religious background that has VERY strong cultural/lifestyle issues attached to it .... because of that, if I were to marry someone from outside of that religion -- it would create a lot more negative issues than most people might begin to imagine. I don't think that is racist, I just think that people need to think through some of the big issues before they marry and try to minimize the problems that may be found in the relationship.

4. again I guess it's a self preservation thing .... but don't you hate to think about how USA had internment camps during WWII?

5. An idiot by any other name ... still the same.

6. Most people have some good points to make .... just have to be careful not to adopt their entire philosophy because they have 2 or 3 good things to say.

7/8 I think nothing has to do with race so long as you're not the race being targeted .... and maybe much more is about race when you are.

And finally, as long as you're checking yourself to make sure you haven't gone too far off course from what you feel comfortable with -- as long as you're still questioning, then at least you can correct things if you begin to stray from the proper course.