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B’nai B’rith International was unequivocal in its denouncement of a performance costume, worn by musician Macklemore, that played on Jewish stereotypes.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, B’nai B’rith noted:
“His costume choice and subsequent response demonstrate an utter lack of sensitivity. Stereotypes are dangerous and offensive. Stereotypes dehumanize—removing individuality and promoting intolerance.” (Read full statement)
On Tuesday, those words were highlighted in an article written by CNN’s Alan Duke that was syndicated around the web.
Read an excerpt from the story, which includes Macklemore’s response and criticisms from comedian Seth Rogen:
Comedian Seth Rogen failed to see the comedy, calling Macklemore out on Twitter for wearing an “anti-Semitic costume” while performing his hit song “Thrift Shop.”
“@macklemore, first you trick people into thinking you’re a rapper, now you trick them into thinking you’re Jewish?” he tweeted. […]
“@macklemore, first you trick people into thinking you’re a rapper, now you trick them into thinking you’re Jewish?” he tweeted. […]
Macklemore responded:
“A fake witches nose, wig, and beard = random costume. Not my idea of a stereotype of anybody.”
[…]Rogen isn’t buying Macklemore’s “random costume” explanation. “@macklemore really?? Because if I told someone to put together an anti Semitic Jew costume, they’d have that exact shopping list.”
[…]B’nai B’rith International, a Jewish advocacy group, said the costume was “deeply offensive and propagates Jewish stereotypes.”
“His costume choice and subsequent response demonstrate an utter lack of sensitivity,” a statement from the group said. “Stereotypes are dangerous and offensive. Stereotypes dehumanize — removing individuality and promoting intolerance.”
