elizabeth thompson is one of the most famous artists in england. She was nominated for election to the royal academy but lost by just two votes. arshewood argues that it's important to understand the role of the royal academy. They control the art world at this point, forty aloof dictatorial white men. And because they think they have demonstrated their open mindedness by loving this one jew, they feel free to act in the most despicable way to other jews. You open the door to one outsider, and that gives you permission to close the door to others.