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Something Ain'T Kosher Here: The Rise Of The 'Jewish' Sitcom,New
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From 1989 through 2002 there was an unprecedented surge in American sitcoms featuring explicitly Jewish lead characters, thirtytwo compared to seven in the previous forty years. Several of theseMad About You, The Nanny, and Friendswere among the most popular and influential of all shows over this period; one programSeinfeldhas been singled out as the defining series of the nineties. In addition, scriptwriters have increasingly created Jewish characters, although they may not be perceived to be by the shows audience, Rachel Green on Friends being only one example.In Something Aint Kosher Here, Vincent Brook asks two key questions: Why has this trend appeared at this particular historical moment and what is the significance of this phenomenon for Jews and nonJews alike? He takes readers through three key phases of the Jewish sitcom trend: The early years of television before and after the first Jewish sitcom, The Goldbergs, appeared; the second phase in which America found itself Under the Sign of Seinfeld; and the current era of what Brook calls Post Jewishness.Interviews with key writers, producers, and showrunners such as David Kohan, (Will and Grace), Marta Kauffman (Friends and Dream On), Bill Prady (Dharma and Greg), Peter Mehlman and Carol Leifer (Seinfeld), and close readings of individual episodes and series provoke the inescapable conclusion that we have entered uncharted postJewish territory. Brook reveals that the acceptance of Jews in mainstream white America at the very time when identity politics have put a premium on celebrating difference reinforces and threatens the historically unique insider/outsider status of Jews in American society. This paradox upsets a delicate balance that has been a defining component of American Jewish identity.The rise of the Jewish sitcom represents a broader struggle in which American Jews and the TV industry, if not American society as a whole, are increasingly operating at crosspurposes torn between the desire to celebrate unique ethnic identities, yet to assimilate: to assert independence, yet also to build a consensus to appeal to the widest possible audience. No reader of this book will ever be able to watch these television programs in quite the same way again.
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- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book has two hundred forty pages. It provides an in-depth analysis of Jewish sitcoms in American television.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is a paperback. Paperback bindings are flexible and lightweight, making them easy to carry.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures six inches in length, zero point six inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. These dimensions make it portable and convenient for reading.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Vincent Brook. He explores the cultural significance of Jewish sitcoms in this work.
- Q: What is the main topic of this book? A: The book discusses the rise of Jewish sitcoms in America. It analyzes their impact on Jewish identity and mainstream television.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, it is suitable for academic study. The book includes interviews and analyses that are valuable for understanding cultural themes.
- Q: How should I care for this book? A: To keep this book in good condition, store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid bending the cover or pages.
- Q: Can I donate or resell this used book? A: Yes, you can donate or resell this used book. It is in good condition and suitable for sharing with others.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for children? A: No, this book is not specifically appropriate for children. It addresses complex themes related to Jewish identity and culture.
- Q: What is the focus of the interviews in this book? A: The interviews focus on key writers and producers of popular sitcoms. They provide insights into the creative process behind these shows.
- Q: How does this book address Jewish identity? A: The book examines the balance between celebrating Jewish identity and assimilating into mainstream culture. It explores the complexities of this dual identity.
- Q: What makes this book significant? A: This book is significant for its analysis of a unique cultural phenomenon in television history. It sheds light on the evolving representation of Jews in media.
- Q: What is the publication year of this book? A: The book was published by Rutgers University Press. The specific publication year should be checked on the book's copyright page.
- Q: Are there any illustrations in this book? A: Yes, the book contains twenty black and white illustrations. These illustrations complement the text and enhance the reading experience.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the Performing Arts genre. It specifically focuses on television and cultural studies.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: No, this book is not part of a series. It stands alone as a comprehensive exploration of Jewish sitcoms.