B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission: Hollywood actor Lena Dunham’s article comparing Jews to dogs and using anti-Semitic stereotypes is offensive and insulting
March 28, 2015
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has today expressed strong
reservations about an essay in The New Yorker magazine by Hollywood actor and comedienne Lena Dunham titled “Dog or Jewish Boyfriend” in which she compares her Jewish boyfriend to a dog and employs offensive and insulting stereotypes about Jews and money.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, issued the following statement:
“While humour is certainly welcomed, comparing Jews to dogs and using demeaning, tasteless and hurtful stereotypes about Jews and money is not. By referring to her Jewish boyfriend as cheap since he never tips and never brings his wallet, Dunham, who herself is Jewish, resuscitates the classic and pernicious anti-Semitic myth that Jews are ‘tight with money’— namely, that they are cheap. This vile charge has nothing do with the actual behaviour of the Jewish people and has fuelled anti-Jewish sentiments that often lead to harassment and violence. We are also concerned that Dunham equated her boyfriend to a dog. Those who know history, would be aware that during dark times, Jews were banned from certain areas, while dogs were permitted entry. In fact, such episodes have occurred recently. Last year, A Belgian café had a sign on its window which read, “Dogs are allowed inside, Jews are not”. Moreover, as has happened for centuries, there are still parts of the world where Jews are defamed and dehumanised as dogs and other animals. Lena Dunham has a huge following and what she says matters to many people. While we don’t think that Dunham intended to degrade and denigrate Jews, we would urge her, and all celebrities, to exercise caution so as to avoid irresponsible expressions that malign and belittle any minority. We would also call on magazines, such as The New Yorker, to exhibit better judgement when considering such pieces for publication.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677
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