Getting Racy: Race, Antisemitism & Millennial Jewish Stars

How can pop culture help us all speak more clearly about race and antisemitism? Come learn about this timely topic with Jonathan Branfman, Ph.D., who will draw from his new book, “Millennial Jewish Stars: Navigating Racial Antisemitism, Masculinity, and White Supremacy” (New York University Press, 2024).

Both Jews and non-Jews often strug­gle to explain how anti­semitism works in 21st-cen­tu­ry Amer­i­ca. In fact, many well-inten­tioned peo­ple lack the tools to notice anti­semitism at all. Likewise, many people struggle to explain how antisemitism can differently impact Jews with white skin (like the actor Seth Rogen) and Jews of color (like the rap superstar Drake). But by illu­mi­nat­ing how Jew­ish pop cul­ture stars nav­i­gate these issues onscreen screen, we can often clarify how antisemitism shapes everyday per­cep­tions, bias­es, and behav­iors in real life.

Although these issues can seem slip­pery to ana­lyze, they’re real­ly as famil­iar to many read­ers as their favorite star or sitcom. No matter whether you personally follow the stars mentioned in Jonathan’s book (such as Drake), the talk will offer illuminating insights about race, antisemitism and Jewishness in America today.