Hollywood, Antisemitic Tropes, and Anti-Orthodox Messaging: A Conversation with Allison Josephs (200)

Jews control Hollywood - or so everyone seems to believe, for better and very often for worse. And it’s true that there are many Jewish people who work in the entertainment industry. But this fact is quite distinct from the question of how Jews are typically portrayed in movies and TV shows - and in that realm, there are serious problems, both regarding the depiction of Jews in general, and the depiction of Orthodox Jews in particular. According to Allison Josephs, founder of Jew in the City, this is a serious problem with long-term consequences, and needs to be addressed.

Allison has been at the forefront of trying to change things in Hollywood, and for that purpose founded the Jew in the City Hollywood Bureau. Scott spoke with her about the negative stereotypes of Jews and Orthodox Jews that are both parrotted and furthered by the entertainment industry; the reasons that Jews are often last in line when it comes to inclusion and sensitivity; what has changed since October 7th; whether Jewish people should fight for inclusion in the places where Diversity, Equity and Inclusion holds sway, or whether we’re better off trying to undermine the entire structure; whether there is a problem with non-Jews portraying Jews on screen; examples of some shows where Jews are shown in a positive light, as well as some where they are seen with the typical negative tropes; which celebrities have been vocal in fighting on behalf of Jews and Israel; and more.

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Music: "Happy Rock" by bensound.com