(Small voice) I kind of don’t like it when non-Jews are cast in Jewish roles, it is too easy to descend into caricature or stereotype, and there are plenty of Jewish actors who can do these parts. Especially if Jewishness was a big part of the character’s identity. A New York accent and saying you grew up in a Jewish neighborhood is not …
(Small voice) I kind of don’t like it when non-Jews are cast in Jewish roles, it is too easy to descend into caricature or stereotype, and there are plenty of Jewish actors who can do these parts. Especially if Jewishness was a big part of the character’s identity. A New York accent and saying you grew up in a Jewish neighborhood is not going to cut it. I HATE Mrs. Maisel. (Ironically, the worst stereotypes on that show are the characters played by the only two actually Jewish actors they’ve cast as the in-laws). I’m not the only one who feels this way. Sarah Silverman has spoken out about it, although she did take the role of Bernstein’s (Jewish) sister in Maestro, so I guess she got past it. I also note that The Sopranos made a deliberate effort to cast actual Italians as mobsters, in part to avoid accusations of caricature and stereotype and to foster sensitive and nuanced portrayals. They received no flack for that, as far as I’m aware. People understood. I also kind of get the point about how annoying it can be that a lot of Holocaust stories rely on Gentile “savior” narratives. The Holocaust was bad, it’s not meant to engender inspirational and heartwarming stories. Most people did not, in fact, get saved. Many who did survive did so by their own wits, often in spite of Gentiles. Yes these savior stories make people feel good, I guess. Boy in the Striped Pajamas, I’m looking at you! There’s an example of a Gentile savior who didn’t even really save anyone because it’s totally made-up!
I don't quite agree with you (mildly) on most of this but I liked your comment because it was politely worded and brave to say. Most folks here are going to like it. You did a good job of stating your case and you make some good points.
(Small voice) I kind of don’t like it when non-Jews are cast in Jewish roles, it is too easy to descend into caricature or stereotype, and there are plenty of Jewish actors who can do these parts. Especially if Jewishness was a big part of the character’s identity. A New York accent and saying you grew up in a Jewish neighborhood is not going to cut it. I HATE Mrs. Maisel. (Ironically, the worst stereotypes on that show are the characters played by the only two actually Jewish actors they’ve cast as the in-laws). I’m not the only one who feels this way. Sarah Silverman has spoken out about it, although she did take the role of Bernstein’s (Jewish) sister in Maestro, so I guess she got past it. I also note that The Sopranos made a deliberate effort to cast actual Italians as mobsters, in part to avoid accusations of caricature and stereotype and to foster sensitive and nuanced portrayals. They received no flack for that, as far as I’m aware. People understood. I also kind of get the point about how annoying it can be that a lot of Holocaust stories rely on Gentile “savior” narratives. The Holocaust was bad, it’s not meant to engender inspirational and heartwarming stories. Most people did not, in fact, get saved. Many who did survive did so by their own wits, often in spite of Gentiles. Yes these savior stories make people feel good, I guess. Boy in the Striped Pajamas, I’m looking at you! There’s an example of a Gentile savior who didn’t even really save anyone because it’s totally made-up!
I don't quite agree with you (mildly) on most of this but I liked your comment because it was politely worded and brave to say. Most folks here are going to like it. You did a good job of stating your case and you make some good points.