Of Crazy Ex-Girlfriends, Man-Babies, and Queer Icons: Unpacking Depictions of Jewish Sex and Gender in Recent American Media Culture

Considering the past thirty years of mainstream television, film, music, and celebrity culture in relation to entrenched Jewish sexual stereotypes and gendered expectations, this panel explores how American Jewish characters have been portrayed and how American Jewish stars have publicly fashioned themselves. Dr. Samantha Pickette’s remarks will draw from her recent book on “unapologetic Jewish women” in TV comedies, including Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel; Dr. Jonathan Branfman will share insights from his recent book on millennial Jewish stars like Seth Rogen, Drake, and Ilana Glazer, addressing how these performers navigate race, masculinity, sexuality, and antisemitism onscreen; and Dr. David Slucki will discuss his book-in-progress about a recent upsurge in Fran Drescher’s The Nanny and its function as a turning point for mainstream representations of Jewish visibility, queer camp sensibilities, and strong Jewish women. Each panelist will briefly introduce the contours of their project’s arguments with a couple of engaging examples, followed by moderated conversation and audience Q&A.

This program is in partnership with Jewish Pride New Orleans and Tulane’s Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.