Jewish agents | #TranslateHate
Jewish agents
noun \ 'joōiSH ˈā-jənts \
: a Jewish businessperson or Jewish representative who acts for or represents another
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
In medieval Europe, Jews were not allowed to practice many professions and were often forced into money-lending. As a result, Jews were accused of usury, or lending money at an unfair or exploitative rate. Ever since, anti-Jewish tropes have posited that Jews profit from exploiting others (see control, greed). Today, these antisemitic accusations, often rooted in economic tensions, have been levied at Jewish sports and entertainment agents.
In the early 20th century, like in medieval Europe, Jews once again found themselves barred from many professions and employers. As a result, Jews began to found Jewish law firms, hospitals, recreational clubs, and universities. As the entertainment industry turned west toward California, Jewish producers, writers, and actors sought employment opportunities in Hollywood.
Today, Jews often represent non-Jews as agents in sports, music, and entertainment. Tensions between agents and actors, athletes, or performers have been sometimes cast as Black-Jewish tensions.
Today, the claim that Jews or “Jewish agents” run Hollywood is yet another example of a trope in which Jews are accused of using or exerting their influence in order to gain control for their financial or political benefit (see control).
Assuming Jews gravitate toward occupations for which they disproportionately benefit or have an authoritative or managerial position perpetuates the false stereotype that Jews have a desire or proclivity to control others (see control).
