The entertainment world is filled with cultural stereotypes. Stepin Fetchit, the ugliest and most demeaning of black stereotypes, may have been innocently intended to amuse white folks, but in retrospect that character was deeply abhorrent and painful to African-Americans and was justly retired as society grew more racially sensitive.
Stepin Fetchit
The ascendant #metoo movement is a constant reminder that the cliché of the Dumb Blonde has also worn out her welcome. Stereotypes – particularly in comedy – eventually grow tiresome and are consigned to the Hokum File, hopefully never to be seen or heard from again. And yet, Amazon’s hit comedy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, traffics in Jewish tropes that are often deeply troubling, and indeed should have been retired long ago.
I’m a big fan of TMMM. The writing is often very funny, if occasionally anachronistic. I love the central conceit of a nice, upper middle-class Jewish girl in the late 50s – early 60s becoming a proto-feminist stand-up comic at a time when the profession was mostly populated by middle-age male hacks. As portrayed by the gifted Rachel Brosnahan, I love Midge Maisel’s limitlessly inventive comedic mind and her fearless stage persona. The other actors are mostly excellent.
So given TMMM’s many creative accomplishments – 16 Emmys, three Golden Globes, among many other awards – and the clearheaded vision of creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, why are the broad comic portrayals of Moishe and Shirley Maisel, the titular character’s in-laws, so troubling?
I have no issue with Jewish people, or anyone else, poking fun at themselves. Jews pretty much invented self-deprecating humor and something deep in our DNA understands the power of satire. (Springtime for Hitler, anyone?) Jews generally love seeing parodies of themselves. And yet it’s hard to view the Maisels as anything other than the vestigial Jewish equivalent of Stepin Fetchit.
As played by Kevin Pollak and Caroline Aaron, Moishe and Shirley Maisel epitomize the cultural stereotype of The American Jew that has dogged our people since we first got here: obnoxious, loud, crass, obsessed with money to the exclusion of all else, lacking in manners and social grace, unclean, and possessed of a world view that sees the Goyim as the enemy to be defeated by our superior cunning.
In other words, we are not to be trusted. Unless, as in the case of Midge’s parents, you make yourself presentable, acceptable to the Gentile world.
Kevin Pollak and Caroline Aaron as Moishe and Shirley Maisel
The Weismanns (Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinckle), despite Abe’s hyper-neurotic fastidiousness and Rose’s haughty sense of entitlement – both exaggerated for comedic mileage – are cultured, refined, and educated. Abe, who teaches at Columbia, and Rose, the product of a wealthy but unusual Jewish background (no spoilers), identify culturally and religiously as Jews, but without the Maisels’ gleeful, aggressive lack of refinement. The juxtaposition of the two families is, obviously, a rolling comic set-up, but it’s old hat, and the Maisels do little more than reinforce the tiresome clichés of Jewish middle-class boorishness. Even their flashes of generosity and sense of family loyalty are not enough to overcome this all-too-familiar Jew Vaudeville, the Semitic equivalent of blackface.
In a Season One flashback, Moishe gives young Joel Maisel a father-son lecture on how the boy should leverage his upcoming Bar Mitzvah for maximum financial gain. It’s low-bar comedy writing, and the scene sends a not-so-subtle message about who the Jews really are: when we’re alone, when nobody is watching, the debased values we transmit to our children are, essentially, greed and duplicity. And that's only one of many other similarly stereotyped scenes.
In Season Three, Abe and Rose lose their financial means and are forced to move in with the Maisels until they can get back on their feet. The Weismanns treat the move from Manhattan’s Upper West Side to the outer borough of Queens as if they’ve been banished to some Siberian wasteland. The ensuing comedic clash between the two couples is predictable, but the most telling and memorable scene in that story arc is far more cringe-inducing than funny.
Looking for her grandson, Shirley Maisel wanders out into the middle of her quiet suburban street, braying various iterations of, “Ethan! Where are you?!” over and over, at the top of her lungs. Unable to stand it any longer, Rose storms outside and confronts Shirley, letting fly a furious litany of excoriations that takes Shirley to task over her embarrassing, grotesque behavior. Rose’s rant culminates in, “And you’re JEWISH!”
The Maisels are the Jews that make the other Jews hide our heads in shame. You’re humiliating all of us, with your loudness, your coarseness, your out-of-control “Jewishness” so for G-d’s sake, knock it off!
It might be argued that the scene in the street is meant as a kind of meta nod to the audience, a sub rosa acknowledgment of the show’s use of Jewish stereotypes, and thus its purpose is to beg our indulgence. Sorry, no dice. And within the context of the show itself, Moishe and Shirley stand out as all the more egregious because the TMMM meticulously avoids cultural clichés with most of the other characters, particularly the African-Americans.
The primary storyline in Season Three finds Midge and her relentlessly scrappy manager Susie (Emmy winner Alex Borstein) on tour with the fictional Shy Baldwin (played with low-key charisma by Leroy McClain), a popular African-American singer who, depending on a particular night’s audience, is a chameleonic cross between James Brown and Johnny Mathis. Shy and his mostly black entourage, including Billy, his fiercely loyal and protective manager/best friend, are utterly devoid of anything remotely resembling black racist stereotypes in speech, mannerism, or character motivations. Shy’s orchestra is mixed, but race is rarely mentioned because it doesn’t matter. They’re just people trying to survive the vicissitudes of the road and have a good time together, and although there are occasional joking references to Midge’s undeniable, shimmering whiteness, race just isn’t an issue, and thus the African American characters are treated without a trace of condescension.
And the same is true of Midge herself. What makes Midge Maisel such a great, groundbreaking character is that she manages to both embrace and subvert the stereotype of the Jewish Woman. She’s assertive, but not shrill; she would rather charm (and boy, is she good at it!) than bully. She’s a bit controlling, but by no means debilitatingly neurotic. She can be pushy, but Midge is unfailingly polite and respectful of others. Midge also strives for real truth and artistry in her work at a time when most of her peers were doing third-rate Borscht Belt schtick. She’s also not perfect (but close), which of course is necessary for a relatable, compelling character, even in a sitcom.
Even when it veers into farce, Midge is the show’s consistent core of grounded, truthful behavior. But the opposite is true of the Maisels. Indeed, one is given to wonder how capable veteran performers Kevin Pollak and Caroline Aaron came to deliver such crude, one-dimensional caricatures, the Jewish equivalent of shuck-n-jive.
Around 1917, 12-year-old Joseph Kaganuvich, my paternal grandfather, was put on a boat to New York to escape the Russian pogroms against the Jews. Like the Maisels, Joe spent his entire working life in the garment industry. He had only a high school education, but he was tough, stubborn, smart, and resourceful. My grandparents flourished during the Great Depression and Joe was running a factory in Pennsylvania while still in his 20s. He was also an incredibly cultured man: he loved opera and the theatre, and could, I’m told, speak with intelligence and authority on a seemingly endless array of subjects. My early childhood recollection of him – he died when I was seven years old – is that of a wise, gentle, loving grandfather who lit up the moment my baby sister and I walked into the room.
Might not it serve TMMM to find similar nuances in the Maisels? My grandfather was living proof that those people, those Jews, actually existed.
We still do.
Yes, it’s just a sitcom, and there are other broad characters on TMMM, but there’s still no excuse, stylistic or otherwise, for the loutish, uncouth Maisels and what they represent.
I humbly suggest that the Palladinos find ways to counter balance the show’s shopworn, banal portrayals of working-class/upper middle class Jews – they certainly possess the writing chops to do so. As with Stepin Fetchit and the Blonde Bimbo, perhaps it’s now time to retire the stereotype of the Ugly Jew. Given the recent global uptick in anti-Semitism, and all its attendant tsuris, this might be a great moment to do so.
But don’t worry. Jews will still be funny.
(65) Ironbob, March 1, 2021 4:37 PM
Huh?
Find something else to whine over. Something actually important.
(64) ROBERT SMITH, February 2, 2021 7:32 PM
Get a life
At close to 80 years of age, belonging to Orthodox and Conservative Shuls, keeping Kosher, Shabbat, Yom Tov -- I like the show. I've encountered various types of passive antisemitism, Jewish self hatred and the like in the Academic world, on the street etc., but the show wasoften entertaining and my wife and I never found it offensive. Just my two cents.
(63) eli, September 16, 2020 7:25 AM
Great article
Fantastic article, elegantly portrays the dilemmas with this program. I'm almost through season 2. While I find the show interesting, particularly as it portrays the era my mother struggled to come of age in, I'm increasingly uneasy at the way the series reinforces stereotypes for a laugh. I'm also curious as to why the shows' only main-character Jewish (in real life) actors (Joel and his parents), are playing the rough, greedy Jew stereotype. The non Jewish (in real life) main characters (Miriam and her parents), are refined and educated. I know that only 1/2 of the show's creative team is Jewish, and hse is 1/2 Jewish. I wonder if this speaks to identity conflicts she has herself, or is true to how she views Jewish peoples. There is a call for black. Latino, Gay, etc characters in shows to now be exclusively played by black (or Latino, or Gay) actors--why doesn't the same hold for Jewish characters? Why is it ok for non-Jews to play those parts, if only a Latino can play a Latino part? I don't think a half (or full) Latino could make a mainstream program depicting negative Latino stereotypes, so why is it ok for a half (or full) Jew to do the same? We need to say enough to all of this.
(62) Jess, August 9, 2020 3:01 PM
Jewish writers always make Jews look bad------and encourage anti-semitism
Hollywood is full of Jewish writers. Most of the stories they write are about non Jews. When they do write about Jews, it's usually Holocaust. If there is a book with great, remarkable Jewish character, the movie makes sure to erase the Jewishness of the character. For example, Devil Wears Prada main character is Jewish, same with Dirty Dancing. If a movie DOES have a Jewish character, but it is not Holocaust topic, the movie always make the Jew into a bad character with cringe-worthy disgusting anti-semitic tropes.
I think the only examples of positive Jewish characters I have seen on TV have been the shows: Shtisel, which is one of the best shows I've ever seen, and Srugim. Both are Israeli shows.
I would very much like to see an American Jewish writer actually write a show or movie with positive Jewish characters. I mean seriously. For once! Without cringeworthy stereotypes.
(61) Beverley, January 29, 2020 12:34 AM
Not Funny
After quickly reading the article I thought this might be a comedy I could enjoy. A little Jewish humour is just my cup of tea. I couldn't watch more than 2 minutes of the trailer. Offensive is the only word I have for this. Two thumbs down from me.
(60) Marvin Rand, January 28, 2020 8:32 AM
Stereotypes of the Jewish people only reinforce the anti-semitism that’s being encouraged by the sad people who deny our right to exist. Is it our democratic values, our achievements in medicine and science or just our basic love in our fellow human beings? ? ?
(59) Mike, January 26, 2020 8:48 PM
Why can't someone in Hollywood write a show that portrays Jews in a positive way. Every show is built on obnoxious people with huge character flaws. The Jewish people have contributed greatly to the world through religious thought, science, ethics, business, music, education, etc.. All we ever get from Hollywood are the same old tired stereotypes.
(58) Anonymous, January 26, 2020 3:33 PM
Commentary is spot on. As a New York Jewish attorney, the stereotypes are all too apparent as they relate to me and my world and to all of the characters in the Show, except for Midge and Susie. Midge and Susie represent the new Jewish business woman of 1960 vintage. Let's see where the next season takes us.
(57) Anonymous, January 26, 2020 3:14 PM
An obnoxious show laced with vulgar language
It's what is wrong with Hollywood. It's not how a proper Jew should be acting. It's an exaggeration of Jewish Stereotypes and presents us in a bad light. I am surprised Aish, which supposedly holds Jewish Values, would include a review where praise of this program is the main theme.
(56) debra jenkins, January 26, 2020 3:45 AM
Bravo
Well written and infinitely truthful!
(55) Nancy, January 24, 2020 12:33 PM
Someone who IMO was a REAL self hating Jew
I believe that Phillip Roth truly despised Jews. I read Portnoy's Complaint and Goodbye Columbus a long time ago, and the words he wrote were filled with contempt. I also think he was as sexist as they come. As I mentioned earlier, Moishe and Shirley remind me of people that I knew growing up. Are the Maisels and Weissmans secular Jews? Yes, of course they are. But remember, this was the late '50s/early '60s when things were changing in America. It was a time when people like my parents were joining Reform Synagogues "because the services are in English."
Lee Michael Cohn, January 24, 2020 9:06 PM
Good for the Jews?
Hi Nancy,
I want to address a few points you’re making here.
Many stereotypes have at their core a grain of truth. Most groups –– ethnic, religious, geographical, etc. –– share some common characteristics. But cultural stereotypes by their nature focus on the NEGATIVE.
I’ve known some pushy, ostentatious Jews in my life. So what? I also knew Holocaust survivors who possessed a steely inner strength and were as soft-spoken as they come.
As far as Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld being “bad for the Jews” –– I disagree. Seinfeld’s comedy rarely focuses on being Jewish. David is ultimately the butt of his own jokes, and EVERYONE around him –– even his fellow Jews –– are horrified by his behavior. Harvey Weinstein and Michael Cohen are bad for the Jews, not Seinfeld and David.
As far as Phillip Roth, I think you have to look at him in terms of his generation. He was trying to break free of the “old country” mores of his family and community, and those stories are very relatable to many people, especially first and second generation sons and daughters of immigrants. These stories were especially relevant in the 1960s.
Finally, I think it’s healthy and necessary for people to be able to make fun of themselves. I also LOVE humor that is provocative. My comedy heroes are Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, and George Carlin. Like them, if you want to offer a critique, then be bold and clear about your point. The best example I can think of is Chris Rock’s “Black folks vs. ni—rs” routine. But there’s a big difference between Rock’s honest statement about his community and TMMM’s cheap-shot “punching down” humor at the expense of Jewish people.
Nancy, March 29, 2020 9:18 PM
Response to Lee Michael Cohn
Before I write another word, I just hope you are safe and healthy! Thank you for responding to my comments and I apologize for the fact that I just saw your response. This was a terrific article and I have so enjoyed reading rvetyone’s Comments here. With that said, I still love Rachel Brosnihan and the marvelous mrs. maisel. Have we EVER seen Lenny Bruce portrayed in a sitcom?! That idea was so original, and as I mentioned earlier I love Luke Kirby. I appreciate what you said about Phillip Roth as well. Good health and safety to
You and your family!!
(54) Nehama, January 24, 2020 3:13 AM
so,,do something about this
how do you get the writers to clean this up?
(53) Anonymous, January 23, 2020 9:32 PM
good and honest reflection
I was too disturbed by Season one episodes to enjoy it. It was to bring out the worst in stereo type and what the world does not need more of to think of who is a Jew.
Because my parents were spiritual unmateriastic scientific scholarly Jews that were born to immigrants fleeing persecution and grateful their families landed in America in New York at the turn of the century, this picture felt very derogatory and could instigate mean stereotypes.
I have made it through Season 3. It keeps getting better that way but could use exactly the touch you mention in your article. Thanks for caring and writing about it.
(52) Morrie Pipik, January 23, 2020 7:27 PM
Funny, ha ha
Of course TMMM portrays stereotypes - as does Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David and many others. Don't go after these Jewish people poking fun at themselves type of stereotypes... Go after the antisemites who perpetuate the banking and war-mongering tropes. Stop being snowflakes and crack a smile.
(51) Anonymous, January 23, 2020 5:05 PM
It's a worn out stereotype - enough already!
The entire program's premise is worn out and denigrates all the efforts of American Jewry to forge a reasonable lifestyle. For over 120 years we have worked very hard - not to assimilate but to create a comfortable Jewish life within a predominant Christian world and some of us have been successful in our efforts. TMMM is a tired, worn, poorly conceived premise for entertainment. Surely Amazon can find much better viewing entertainment for its audiences.
(50) Anonymous, January 23, 2020 4:33 PM
Unfortunately Stereo Types Have Their Basis
So. This show is probably "not good for the Jews", but unfortunately while being exaggerated I know lot's of Jews that fit the stereo types depicted in the show. I almost never watch media but since my mother A"H (who was born in the 1920s) was in theater (which was not considered much better than comedy in the 1950's) I was draw to watch. My grandparents A"H were horrified that my mother was in theater. I grew up in the Upper West Side around Jews and entertainers of all types (I even graduated from Columbia), and experienced the good and the bad. I would hope the show's writers, producers, et al would add in more positive examples of Jews to counterbalance the less-than-flatering characters to make the show more balanced and less offensive. There are so many Jews in media we are going to get shows like this since modern identity politics doesn't allow for make fun of others so we are stuck with making fun of ourselves. The only way to counteract negative stereo types is to being better Jews ourselves. The only way we can be better Jewish is to more closely follow the Torah. Comedy, garment factories, doctors, lawyers, bagels and even social action are not inherently Jewish. Following the Torah is the only thing that makes us Jewish.
Anonymous, January 23, 2020 10:52 PM
Well said - Thanks
Very well said-
Do not judge Judaism by people. Judaism is what the Torah tells us how to live, not based on the wrong behaviour displayed by Jews who for whatever reason are not living a life based on the dictates of theTorah.
Jess, August 9, 2020 3:06 PM
AMEN- Following the Torah is the only thing that makes us Jewish!
AMEN- Following the Torah is the only thing that makes us Jewish!
Agreed!
(49) Isaac geld, January 23, 2020 3:27 PM
Dangerous stereotypes especially in these dangerous times
I watched this show one time and concluded that rather than being funny , the show trafficked in some very unflattering and dangerous stereotypes. The fact that the show has garnered so many awards makes one wonder if this is the case because it confirms for many what they believe the Jews are about.
(48) Ṣédun s, January 23, 2020 8:05 AM
The show is not about your granfather
The problem with American comedy is it's always about identity. I just got Prime and started watching a week ago. I got through season 1 and I'm now into season 2. Its the same way I cringe and do not support any of Tyler Perry movies as I do not believe they adequately represent most African Americans that I know. I marvel at how ethnic groups in America are portrayed in media by their own people knowing the culture is intellectually lazy and will take those portrayals as "gospel". Having said that, I don't find TMMM particularly funny. I lived the first couple of episodes and thereafter it turned for me into feminist propaganda show and I am a woman. It's the reason I don't watch network TV. Rarely do people I meet not have prejudices or politically unacceptable opinions. Finally, your grandad had dignity and the show writers obviously never met your grandad. Stereotypes exist for a reason, the issue is should we be reinforcing them!
(47) Anonymous, January 22, 2020 10:35 PM
Rose’s background
“ Rose, the product of a wealthy but unusual Jewish background” I must have missed that episode...??
(46) Anonymous, January 22, 2020 10:08 PM
Very Disturbing
I watched the first few episodes of Mrs Maisel & felt very unsettled. I couldn’t understand what bothered me. Many of my friends both Jewish & non-Jewish raved about the show. Thank you for hitting the nail on the head. The portrayal of Jewish life in Mrs. Maisel even though funny at times is pure embarrassment. Thank
(45) Esther Beck, January 22, 2020 8:28 PM
Although very funny and very well acted, I agree, it is an ugly stereotype of Jewish people at a time when anti-Semitism is all too present in all areas of our lives and around the world..
(44) Anonymous, January 22, 2020 4:52 PM
Why can't we buy DVDS, not all of us are Jews who can afford prime time.
(43) Anonymous, January 22, 2020 2:36 PM
Your way too sensitive
As another person who is the descent of immigrants . I know the wonderful mosaic that we as a cultural (and for many religious) group come from Sorry I respectfully disagree . I grew up in New York during this exact time. Moishe and Shirley Maisel did exist(not those names) but believe me they did. Hey I had then in my own family. Bombastic yes, comical absolutely , ignorant of a lot of norms because of how they were brought up Oh yeah. Don't be embarrassed by them accept they existed because they did. Maybe not now but they did and frankly everything from the catskills to the smell of those factories on 7th ave I have experienced they are cherished memories please don't revise history no matter how revolsed you might feel.
B, January 23, 2020 6:21 PM
Way too sensitive? I think not.
Dear "Way too sensitive",
Try replacing the words in your comment with African-American or Hispanic names and it is easy to see what's wrong with your reasoning. Here, I will do it for you:
"I grew up in New York during this exact time. Leroy and Jemima Carver did exist(not those names) but believe me they did. Hey I had then in my own family. Bombastic yes, comical absolutely , ignorant of a lot of norms because of how they were brought up Oh yeah."
You won't see THAT on TV. You won't see anyone rationalizing making a comedy out of character flaws and stereotypes in other people's pasts. And for good reason - doing so is in poor taste at best, and bad, even toxic, to the soul at worst.
Unlike the people who made this show, Lee Michael Cohn's article above makes the world a better place. It betters the soul.
Many thanks.
(42) Chanit Roston, January 22, 2020 2:07 PM
Stereotypes are cheap shot, anywhere, anytime.
I watch very little entertainment, threw out my TV set years ago. Having an iMac offers me a sufficient amount of wasting precious time. ( No, I am not a snob!)
TMMM has been an exception. Yet, the Meisels couple has been a sore sight and bothering my sensibilities from the very start. I couldn't agree more with the writer of the article.
(41) Nancy, January 22, 2020 12:56 PM
Another way to look at the show
As I mentioned in an earlier comment, I knew people like Moishe and Shirley. Perhaps people can use the show as a point of discussion/exploration. Re: How Jews are portrayed on TV. There were 2 TV shows that did an excellent job in calling out anti Semitism. One was an episode of the Golden Girls. The other was an episode of The Mary Tyler Moore show. I would guess that at least one of those episodes is available on YouTube.
(40) Anonymous, January 22, 2020 8:44 AM
Well, I do know Jews like the authors Great-grandfather. Yes they exist but so do the "Maisels." And it's not just older folks. I met a young (40ish) couple about a year ago who are haredi and that tempers some of the behavior but there are other things that despite higher education and work in non-Jewish major companies, still leave a lot to be desired. Does that mean they are horrible people? Not at all. They were very hospitable to us but 9 kids all being raised without table or "company" manners was just too much to take. Stereotypes are usually based in some truth and it can take generations to erase them. If a young Jewish person looks at this TV show and says Oh no! That's my _____ (insert relation here) I need to change that, that benefits us. "Springtime for Hitler" worked because our generation was less thin skinned. I strongly recommend growing a tougher hide.
(39) Shelley Squires, January 22, 2020 2:08 AM
I Agree
I completely agree with Lee Michael Cohn.
(38) Anonymous, January 22, 2020 1:37 AM
Consistent with Palladino portrayal of Jews
In a particularly disturbing episode of Gilmore Girls, Paris Geller's parents cheated on their taxes and were being pursued by the IRS.
(37) Morgaan Sinclair, January 22, 2020 12:29 AM
PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS MAN AND MAKE CHANGES
I can't say anything Lee hasn't already said, but I am grateful for his commentary. The use of stereotypes isn't cute: it's dangerous. It always has been. Clear this up.
(36) Anonymous, January 22, 2020 12:27 AM
Agree but would expand upon OTHER issues with TMMM
The Weissman’s are NOT really any better than the Maisels in terms of stereotypes. They are the ULTIMATE uber-assimilated Jewish family. There is a token (small) menorah displayed on a sideboard in their apartment. The men wear yarmulkes at shul and the parents serve shrimp at Midge’s wedding. They appear to attend a conservative temple yet shop for meat at a non-kosher butcher (? Italian pork store ?). The only Jewishness in the Weissman family is self-professed. The only authentic thing about this show may be the costumes. Don’t get me wrong, I love the show but hate the trivial and insulting portrayal of my people! P.S. I was born and raised in Queens in a mixed Jewish Orthodox, Conservative and Reform community mixed kin with some Irish Catholics in the 1950’s ... This show, as funny as it is, is FILLED with ugly tropes and anti-Semitic tripe
(35) Nancy, January 21, 2020 11:34 PM
Moishe and Shirley reminded me of A LOT of people I knew as a child
Having grown up in a Secular background, I knew many Moishes and Shirley's. However, how many sitcoms can you name which feature Lenny Bruce? TMMM is the only one. One has to marvel at that stroke of originality on the part of the writer/creators.
Lee Michael Cohn, January 22, 2020 12:35 AM
Lenny Bruce
Lenny Bruce is my hero. It was a brilliant stoke to feature him as a character on the show. Luke Kirby's portrayal is uncannily brilliant – nobody has even played Lenny better, including Dustin Hoffman. I hope they feature him even more in Season 4. Kirby elevates the show with every appearance.
Nancy, January 22, 2020 12:49 PM
To commenter Lee Michael Cohn
Yes! I completely agree that Luke Kirby's portrayal of Lenny Bruce totally knocks it out of the park. I did not see the show when it was on Broadway, but I did see Dustin Hoffman play Lenny in the movie. Luke Kirby nails it!!
Nancy, January 23, 2020 12:22 PM
My apologies to Lee Michael Cohn
In one of my previous comments I referred to you as a commenter. I apologize for that error and for not acknowledging you as the author of this thoughtful piece.
(34) Rachel Mishory, January 21, 2020 11:07 PM
Of course it's all slimy stereotypes
I watched as much as I could of the first season and was so horrified by the awful stereotypes that I stopped. I can not begin to understand the author's love affair with this Jew hating production. It is embarrassing and has the stain of humiliation. But all that Amy was ever exposed to were stereotypes that was the American Jewish comedic language of the time her Jewish comedian father was working the borscht belt. Since her mother was a Southern Baptist she was never exposed to and has no clue that a beautiful sweet authentic ethical and many other adjectives defining true Yiddishkeit even exists. The show is an abomination in my opinion and the awards are meaningless.
(33) Anonymous, January 21, 2020 11:06 PM
Author's last sentence was unnecessary.
"Given the recent global uptick in anti-Semitism, and all its attendant tsuris, this might be a great moment to do so.
But don’t worry. Jews will still be funny."
Jews being Jews with some religiousity are more important than being perversely "funny" for the masses who like to laugh at or hate Jews.
The sentence before ..."this might be a GREAT MOMENT to do so" was perfect in its truth and gravity. Nobody's crying over any people in the world losing their sense of humor. To wit, where is it??
(32) Warren Rosenberg, January 21, 2020 10:45 PM
Hollywood writers- same story- continued from Page 1
Also, these "writers" who are so wonderful should take a good look at themselves and what they are producing. I doubt if any of these writers or actors have much knowledge of Judaism and it's brilliance in human history. Do they ever go to shul? A shabat service?
Do they ever show gratitude or respect to our creator aka G-D? Do they ever read the spiritual beauty of Psalms? Have any of them ever read the Modeh Ani prayer when a Jew wakes up and opens his eyes, he should thank G-D for restoring his soul? I never thanked anyone before I read this first prayer in the orthodox prayer book. It blew my mind. From what do they know of deep gratitude without respect for G-D. That's what being a Jew is about. WIthout that, it's only rituals.
(31) Linda C, January 21, 2020 10:37 PM
Sometimes...Refined children, crass parentage. And visa versa.
Interesting that Joel Maisel (played by Michael Zegen) who in the series was raised by his stereotypical loud, passionate, coarse behaving Jewish parents is himself, a low key, well-manerred, multi-layered character. This reminds me of my beloved-departed Father's extended family. Yes, these are real people. Complicated Jewish characters who to this day demonstrate a mayraid of personality profiles from loathsome to divine. We entertain, inform, inspire, invent, develop and educate the world in all manner of ways. As such, we are loved, admired and hated.
(30) David, January 21, 2020 10:34 PM
It's not just the Maisels
I agree with the author's assessments of the Maisels, but it's not just the Maisels that make Jews look bad. There's really nothing Jewish about the show's "Jewish" characters. Watching the 1st two seasons, I felt like I was watching a bunch of non-Jewish characters that called themselves Jewish. All the Jewish characters were "culturally Jewish" at best. They never showed Judaism in a positive light. At the end of the 2nd season, Midge decides to go on the road to further her comedy career instead of staying home with her kids or staying with her husband, who seemed to have straightened himself out. After that ending, I won't be watching the 3rd season.
eli, September 16, 2020 7:35 AM
Hi David, I agree with your main comment points. As a gentle observation about a plot point, Miriam did want to get back with Joel, but Joel did not want her back after he learned she was doing stand-up comedy. Also, men took business trips away from their wives and children, in real life in the 1950s and 60s--with wives and families doing the child care. Showing Miriam also taking a trip for her work--with her ex husband, and her family and in-laws doing the caretaking, seems fair.
(29) Warren Rosenberg, January 21, 2020 10:19 PM
If anti-semitism would be greatly reduced by eliminating this Hollywood dreck it would be a small price to pay.
This kind of "humor" is so offensive and in the USA, it forms the only knowledge that gentiles have of Jews. Be proud of your "contribution".
Of course the writers don't care. It's a job. An income. This reinforces the gentile view that it's money. Repeat 3 times.
But it's funny, right? For who? Blacks ceased depreciating themselves.
Moslems? Self-explanatory. Asians? Too intelligent. Jews? Anything goes!
It's FUNNY! (not for the most of the comments written here). I doubt if any Israelis who aren't from the USA and this cultural perspective would find this "comedy" amusing, respectful or worthy. to be continued. 2000 character limit
(28) Shushanah Dunklin, January 21, 2020 9:45 PM
I disagree
There have been loud obnoxious people portrayed in all of comedy, don't forget the Lucille Ball Show "RICKIE!" Unfortunately, the Senior Meisels really do have a place in comedy if for no other reason than to show how comedic they are. The Meisels are at no point held up as a couple to be modeled nor are their inlaws, they are just both far enough off the wall and exaggerated just that extra little bit to make them funny. So I respectfully disagree, and recommend that you watch 'My Crazy Greek Wedding.'
(27) Louis Riklis, January 21, 2020 9:44 PM
This is such a wonderful commentary of the show, and is pinpoint accurate as to how a proud Jew feels whilst watching it. It is incredible how we continue to mock and make fun of ourselves at a time when we are at our proudest, and yet weakest ebb since the holaucast..
More positive ness and less mockery is needed now, more than ever!
(26) Andy Koenig, January 21, 2020 9:23 PM
Jewish stereotypes
I would think that all ethnicities have these types of eccentric examples i.e. stereotypes we love the show we are both Jewish and yes that couple is obnoxious but we take it tongue-in-cheek and hope you would too!
(25) Dharma, January 21, 2020 9:20 PM
Stereo Typing
Hollywood has always done this to Jewish people. Just look at shows like Seinfeld ?♀️ LOUD ARGUMENTIVE It’s us against the gentiles! And everybody laughs.... I can’t watch shows like that!
And then you have the movie with Barbara Streisand on a road trip with her son ?♀️ She is always eating, they are always arguing, they end up fighting! ?♀️ I know Jewish mums and their sons have very special relationships.. Unique.. The stereo type of a Jewish mum forever complaining the kids never visit or ring. ?♀️ ALL MOTHERS AROUND THE WORLD DO THAT....
It’s fun to laugh at the Jewish people ? People always have going back centuries.. Hollywood just turned it into an investment! And maybe Hollywood has come to believe Jewish people are like they make them out to be. They have lost the connection to their forebears ?♀️
(24) Rod Ballard, January 21, 2020 9:10 PM
A very well written analysis .
Your comments and views on how Jews are represented are well taken. My wife and l have cringed at some of the dialogue and presentation of unfortunate stereotypes that have marred an otherwise fine program.
(23) Anonymous, January 21, 2020 8:48 PM
Mrs. Maisel
Your article was interesting. While some of the story line is very uncomfortable to me....we were very unhappy with the swearing & language in general. I mentioned it someone and they told me in no uncertain terms told me that's how it was then. I found it wearing after while...and while Midge is great...it caused us to not watch all of the show.
(22) Anonymous, January 21, 2020 8:42 PM
I am an Episcopalian and Cringed
Some of the stereotypes really really bothered me as well. Stereotypes of the times and of women and men in general can be really funny. Stereotypes which belittle the individual in the name of humor are hurtful and harmful and are on par with bathroom humor; easy, cheap and lacking in intelligence. There are ways to show a Personality trait without linking it to a stereotype which Is demeaning to a particular group or race or culture or gender.
(21) Shimon Simons, January 21, 2020 6:01 PM
Same ugly stereotypes as in "The Nanny"
I had hoped that the ugly stereotypes of lower middle class Jews ended with the conclusion of "The Nanny" with Fran Dresher and Renee Taylor. But b"chol for va-dor" it pops up, usually in the script writing of "less than" cultural Jews who reinforce these stereotypes to distance themselves from their Jewish backgrounds. They should take classes with Aish before atte.pting any further Jewish depictions.
(20) Anonymous, January 21, 2020 5:40 PM
This article is correct.
There are stereotypes throughout Mrs. Maisel. What is also offensive is the fact that the character Mrs. Maisel is NOT portrayed by a Jewish actor! We're going backwards in this country with these kind of actions. The acting ability is good in the series but it does not justify why no one could not find a wonderful Jewish actor to portray Mrs. Maisel.
Marsha, January 21, 2020 9:26 PM
Why not?
Hey, if Alfred Molina could play Tevye...
(19) Walter E Lee, January 21, 2020 5:07 PM
Critique
It’s funny. Stereotypes are also funny. Can we stop being perpetually offended by everything?
(18) Anonymous, January 21, 2020 4:52 PM
No Jewish actors could be found to play the “good Jews”?
Equally (or more) distressing is that none of the actors who play the non-offensive, “can fit in” Jews (Midge and both of her parents) are Jewish. So not only are the Maisel scripted as stereotypes, but the message seems to be that there are no real Jews in the real world who could convincingly portray non-stereotypical, non-obnoxious Jews.
Lee Cohn, January 21, 2020 9:10 PM
Casting of Rachel Brosnahan in TMMM
Hi!
Your friendly neighborhood article writer here.
I'd like to put my writer/director hat on for a sec and address a nuanced issue. I personally have no issue with the casting of the non-Jewish Rachel Brosnahan as Midge. She's a great actress doing a great job in the role. I honestly don't think you could have found anyone better; her ethnicity should not be an issue. The inverse is a slippery slope: should Jewish actors not be allowed to portray non-Jews? Latinos prohibited from portraying non-Latinos? I think we would all agree that's not right. Tony Shalhoub is of Lebanese background, yet he is excellent as Midge's Jewish dad. I don't think Ms. Brosnahan's casting was meant as a slight to Jewish women. I am sure the Palladinos auditioned many actresses before settling on the person they thought best for the part. IMHO, they made the right decision. (I'm reminded of Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder, a great comedic take on this issue.) But thanks, everyone, for your thoughtful comments!
(17) Susanne R, January 21, 2020 4:48 PM
Moishe was a generous man
I mean, this only focuses on the butting heads when the Weissmans move in with the Maisels, not the generosity of the Maisels opening their new large home to their machatunim. I thought that was an incredible gesture and it didn't give the feel of doing it out of obligation, but as a mitzvah. He also used his wealth to buy an apartment for his son when they were first married. No, not in his building, but in the same one his daughter in law's parents lived. If he were simply greedy and just wanting to throw his money around for his own benefit, he would have made his son and eventual grandchildren live near him. Moishe was, once you get past the boisterous personality, a generous man.
Linda, January 23, 2020 3:30 PM
The other side of the coin
I was so glad to see that someone else recognized the generosity of the Maisels. They treated Rose's maid with courtesy, kindness with equality. Most people would not take in a homeless family, especially one who treated them with slightly veiled contempt.
(16) Anonymous, January 21, 2020 4:37 PM
I find the comments about the broad, stereotypical behavior right on the bottom. But the critique didn't go far enough. This last, the third in the series, has now lost me completely. The foul and obscene language encroached on the plot and characters, completely erasing their earlier and endearing personae. An occasional curse is understandable in life, but the perpetual verbal crudities make the series unconscionably foul. I won't break a leg to watch the 4th, as I almost had with the last. BTW, found the moment of Midge onstage in Harlem, having to joke (painfully to me) about her "whiteness" was sad, indeed.
(15) Anonymous, January 21, 2020 4:32 PM
Larry David
Larry David taught me what it meant to be a Jew. Don’t come for Larry David. He’s the Best He in the World.
(14) Lorraine Weissberg, January 21, 2020 4:31 PM
Spot on!!
I also love this show but have been dismayed by these stereotypes, so much more dangerous with the current rise in antisemitism. I don't know how, in good conscience the actors willingly trade in their Jewish self-respect for a paycheck.
(13) Carol, January 21, 2020 4:23 PM
Good article. Needs to be conveyed to the show’s producers.
This article is clear and appropriately focuses on the point the author makes. Has the author’s argument been shared with the show’s producers? It needs to be; whether it has been shared is not clear to this reader.
(12) Anonymous, January 21, 2020 4:16 PM
very insightful
I believe this article is very insightful and gives legitimate criticism of an otherwise fun series. I’ve also had the impression watching the show that the Maisels are simply ‘over the top’ and are beyond ‘funny satire’ and edging toward Stepin Fetchit territory
(11) bill morgenstein, January 21, 2020 4:16 PM
Some excellent points
Much about what Mr. Cohn writes is true and enlightening, but in spite of it's deficiencies I still enjoy the show, knowing that no matter what Jews say or do the Anti Semites will still hate us.
(10) Kenneth Eisenberg, January 21, 2020 4:15 PM
Cringe worthy
I turned it off even before the end of the first episode. It reminds me of an observation I read "Why I hate movies about Jews;... hate especially by left-Jews."
(9) Howard Floch, January 21, 2020 4:12 PM
Kudos
Great article
(8) Mariah, January 21, 2020 4:10 PM
Setup for Future Seasons
Thank you for writing this piece. I agree with your points, and just want to add that I think the show might be headed in the direction you recommend. I appreciated the third season of the show because it addressed tension that arises when individuals who were born to rise above stereotypes and question everything about others’ expectations find, in (often) cruel ways, just how strong a grip social conditioning has over all of us. People who are intelligent and talented will have times when they are that they do sometimes fall into the trap of behaving within the social confines they consciously defy. The main argument I saw in season 3 was that Midge’s obliviousness is a formidable roadblock to achieving her potential. She has to learn how to recognize antisemitic slurs, and then understand that standing up to them will require tough decisions (as in the case of the political add her father had to explain to her). She will also have to learn that the world is more dangerous than she ever admitted. Susie reassured her on the runway, but there’s no way anyone could have consoled Midge. Losing a friend because society would seriously harm them both would have been devastating enough without the knowledge that she unintentionally had opened the door to let that kind of danger in. I don’t recall ever being so emotionally-impacted by a series in my entire life. No matter how much it hurt to watch, the reveal is a critical life lesson for everyone to learn. It’s an issue that deserves continuous dialogue, and I appreciate the writers for addressing it. I also got the impression that the show is headed for taking on antisemitism, gender inequality, class divisions, politics, and (considering the era) racism and civil rights.
(7) Melody Pierson, January 21, 2020 3:52 PM
Hit the nail on the head.
I was struggling with the fact that I would always watch this show alone. I really enjoy it but part of me felt kind of embarrassed. Yes the Maisels bring out every negative characteristic to the point they are more caricatures than characters. This kind of writing sets us back 40 years.
(6) Allan N Schwartz, January 21, 2020 3:48 PM
Not Marvelous
In actuality, I found this program to be extremely not funny. Instead, it was downright boring.
(5) d, January 21, 2020 3:41 PM
BS"D One further comment
BS"D
Send the authors clips from Siyum HaShas--that's who should be portrayed.
(4) Anonymous, January 21, 2020 3:39 PM
Did you send your article to the Palladinos?
BS"D
that's it--it is wonderfully written. From your graphic description, this show clearly fuels and refuels antisemitism. Whether Jews are involved (ethnic group self-hatred) or not. Please send your thoughts to producers/directors/actors.
(3) Rick Geiger, January 21, 2020 3:38 PM
Good points made...
Good article. The fact is that it's difficult to identify any Jews on television that are not stereo-types of either non-religious greedy and loud and immoral, or if religious, then stuck on stupid without any showing of the real characteristics of being knowledgeable about Judaism like kindness, generosity, hard working, honest and humble. Sometimes its even worse, in the TV show Blue Bloods, almost every Jew on the show is a criminal or dishonest and there are really no Jews that are normal people. And the likely reason is that most Jews in the entertainment industry are very secular, not really knowledgeable about Judaism, Torah/Talmud/Gemara, Derech Eretz etc. And of course there are some Jews, a few, not many, who outwardly show themselves as religious but they are as nasty and corrupt and immoral as other people. And because the writers or producers have some Jewish background, they think it is OK to just show Jews as bad stereo types... See Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm... Its sad and disappointing, but unless and until more Jews actually learn about Judaism, this is what we will continue to get.
(2) Marcia Orol, January 21, 2020 3:33 PM
I cringe too
I share Mr. Cohn's discomfort with the stereotypical portrayal of the senior Maisels. We have enough problems with rising anti-semitism and any portrayal which feeds into those stereotypes only gives the evil people another "proof."
(1) Anonymous, January 20, 2020 3:30 PM
At last someone is writing about the truth
We saw all three seasons of TMMM. We thought the first season was wonderful -- especially the scenes involving the stand-up comedy routines. However, I've never liked the Shalhoub-type character, especially in this role. And his needy, narrow-minded wife was equally as obnoxious.
But in season two, when they were "'playing' spotting the Jew" in the bank, it was cringe-worthy. The caricatures in the borscht belt were so demeaning we thought the show jumped the shark.
We wanted to stop watching, but it continued to get "wonderful" reviews. We hoped it would get better.
I agree wholeheartedly with what the writer was saying, The show did a huge disservice to Jews with its stereotyping.