Semitic Stereotypes

Abstract

This article examines how Jewish characters speak, look and act on the American comedy cartoons South Park and Family Guy. Through analyses of relevant episodes, a correlation is established between being a Jewish stereotype, speaking a distinct ‘Jewish English’ dialect and being a negative character on both shows. The analyses are based on 6 key characters from the two shows who are all Jewish, and while the 3 negative and stereotypical characters use certain features associated with the ‘Jewish dialect’ defined by Sarah Bunin Benor, as well as look and act according to classic Hollywood stereotypes of Jews, the 3 non-stereotypical positive/neutral characters do not. The consequences of associating certain dialects with negative characters in popular media are then discussed and it is argued that it can have serious consequences for real people.