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Clarissa Chin Clarissa's review of Entertaining America at The Jewish Museum To what degree can Jewish culture be considered an influential force in American society, and more specifically, entertainment? Showcasing stimulating, yet selective, paraphernalia intended to help answer this question, the Jewish Museum has its Entertaining America: Jews, Movies and Broadcasting exhibition. However, in actuality, the museum attempts to answer its own question, forcing opinions on an ultimately somewhat disconcerted viewer. The exhibit paints a rather painfully exclusive depiction of an inexorable Jewish presence in the entertainment industry, and a slight brainwashing process of Jewish dominancy seems to take place. Understanding of Jewish culture and influence is mainly based upon staples of American culture that don't seem to be considered wholly "Jewish" (with the exception of the Holocaust)÷Betty Boop, the famous faux glasses and mustache, and "Seinfeld." The museum certainly brings out the importance of Jewish culture within American identity. However, carefully choosing these artifacts that have an overwhelming weight on American entertainment is quite telling. The limited space of the exhibit, however, may be the reason behind the paucity of other notable pieces. And while the underlying question behind the exhibit appears to be answered throughout the show, the display and presentation is visually appealing. The collection is oddly appreciated nonetheless, despite its flaws. |
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