Can they be made fun of? They seem to always be funny(sometimes). Also they seem to always have to mention they are Jewish. Is this a necessity? I've only just noticed this watching a Family Guy thing on BBC3.
I've never seen Family Guy, but I googled it and I see it's a cartoon. The Simpsons' Christian next door neighbour is an object of fun as is the Asian shopkeeper and most other cartoon characters, so what's the difference?
"Only Fools and Horses" Del-Boy played by David Jason used Jewish or "Yiddish" phrases as a large proportion of the early East Londoners were Jewish or descended from.
I don't remember him saying he was Jewish but we still remember the phrases and laugh.
Kosher Innit ! :0)
Nadis
I think you will find quite a few American tv series/sitcoms mock Jewish people. It seems Americans are allowed?! I have no idea why they do it or indeed how they get away with it.
I wouldn't use Family Guy as your yardstick, it's funny but hardly politically correct! I don't see why Jews are any more funny than anyone else, any more than the "Englishman-Scotsman-Irishman goes into a bar" jokes. If we could only make good-natured jokes as we used to, about national habits and myths, etc., without everyone getting upset these days.... ho hum.
some people see malice, or think they see prejudice
they see it because they want to see it
they need to believe that malice, or racial prejudice exists, even where it doesnt
the malice, and the racism, is in their own heads
when people hear a harmless gag, and say ... thats racist or malicious ... it is they who have instantly thought about racism or prejudice ... they just cant help it
I wish I were there at the moment, the Brighton Festival was always my fave time of year, I loved going into the Open Houses and looking at the art and crafts.
There are many great Jewish comedians, and their stock in trade has often been self deprecation.
This is not dissimilar to Chris Rock using the 'N' word to great effect in his act or gay people talking about their own communities, it's of them so it's ok.
When people from outside of that social group start skitting it, you head towards dodgier ground.
To use a Chris Rock analogy, skinny people shouldn't laugh at fat people cos "that's just mean!"