Jewish TV Characters Often Downplay Their Heritage, Study Reveals

In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, where celebrating cultural identity seems to be trending, Jewish characters on television often appear to buck the norm by minimizing their heritage. This revelation comes from a recent study conducted by the Media Impact Project at USC Annenberg’s Norman Lear Center, supported by the Jewish Institute for Television and Cinema Hollywood Bureau.

This study thoroughly examined 108 Jewish characters across 49 episodes from 15 scripted television series, including popular shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” that aired between 2021 and 2022. Surprisingly, it was found that only half of these characters were played by actors who identify as Jewish. This intriguing phenomenon of ‘Jewface’ underscores a deeper issue in Hollywood’s portrayal of Jewish identities.

Moreover, the study revealed a significant gender disparity in casting, as Jewish actresses are 21 percent less likely to land roles as Jewish characters compared to their male counterparts. This is the first extensive look into Jewish representation on screen since 1999, preceding the rise in antisemitism that exploded post the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

An analysis of these Jewish characters shows a startling trend: only 18 percent explicitly mention their Judaism, and when excluding those in typically Jewish professions, the figure drops to a mere 13 percent. This apparent reluctance to engage with their cultural identity suggests that Jewish characters are often portrayed as distancing themselves from their roots. A prime example can be found in Hallmark Channel’s “Double Holiday” and “Holiday Date,” where Jewish characters embrace Christmas traditions over their own.

Furthermore, the depiction of Orthodox Jewish characters also drew criticism for often being judgmental or portrayed as outsiders, with one in five characterized by a cold demeanor and dissatisfaction with life. Frequently, these portrayals occur without any actual Orthodox characters present to offer an authentic perspective.

While Jewish characters on TV are predominantly shown as white or Ashkenazi, there’s a noticeable absence of diversity, with no representation of Jews of color, Mizrahi Jews, or LGBTQ-identifying Jews. This lack of variety further cements certain outdated stereotypes, including the persistent image of the “greedy Shylock” or the “overbearing Jewish mother.”

In seeking to improve the portrayal of Jewish Americans, the study recommends elevating diverse voices and stories within the Jewish community while being cautious about harmful stereotypes linking Jews with money or power. It also suggests fostering narratives that celebrate Jewish pride and joy, while presenting Orthodox Jews as relatable and ordinary members of society rather than as exotic or otherworldly.

This eye-opening study highlights the subtle ways in which Jewish characters on television are often stripped of their cultural identity. By addressing these findings, perhaps Hollywood can begin to reflect a more authentic and diverse portrayal of Jewish life, moving away from old stereotypes towards narratives that celebrate the richness of Jewish experiences.

Source: Yahoo