Oy Vey, the Shtick: Exploring the Relationship between Audience Consumption of Jewish Television Characters and Attitudes toward Jewish Populations

Abstract

The current set of studies adopts cultivation theory and mediated contact to explore the relationship between viewers’ consumption of Jewish television characters, endorsement of negative Jewish stereotypes (study 1; N = 150), anti-Semitism, and support for Jewish-related social issues (study 2; N = 584). Study 1 revealed a significant relationship between viewers’ consumption of Jewish television characters and Jewish stereotype endorsement. Study 2 showed a significant relationship between viewers’ consumption of Jewish television characters and anti-Semitic attitudes; however, consumption was also related to viewers’ favorable support for Jewish-related social issues. Findings indicate a complicated relationship and suggest that the consumption of Jewish television characters may intensify negative attitudes, including stereotype endorsement and anti-Semitism, but the ethnic and cultural identity contributes to confounding feelings toward social issues. We offer a discussion of the results regarding media cultivation, intergroup contact, and the Jewish community.

Keywords:

• Anti-Semitism
• cultivation theory
• Jewish television characters
• mediated contact
• stereotypes

Notes

1 The measure, Jewish-stereotype endorsement, was not included in study 2 as extant literature has repeatedly supported the assertion that audiences’ mediated contact with underrepresented groups is often related to negative stereotype endorsement. Study 1 aimed to extend that literature to include Jewish individuals, and the results suggest the group’s inclusion. Due to the veracious and reliable literature, we aimed to use study 2 to shift the conversation and explore different outcomes, including attitudes (e.g., support of social issues) and explicit forms of bias related to Jewish individuals (e.g., anti-Semitism).

2 Cultivation studies often examine general consumption outside of identity-focused consumption. We did not examine this measure in study 1, and as a corrective tool, we introduced the measure as a covariate in study 2.

3 Stamps and Sahlman’s group-based social issues measure focused on Black communities and included social issues related to affirmative action, segregation, and actions geared toward diversity, equity, and inclusion.

4 The amended Jewish-related social issues measure included the following topics: (1) Protections for Jewish individuals under the Civil Rights Act; (2) Federal support for Jewish cultural museums; (3) Zero tolerance for anti-Semitic Hate Crimes; (4) Safeguarding of Temples/Synagogues; (5) Protection from anti-Semitism for Jewish community centers; and (6) Safeguards in place for Jewish college organizations and student groups.

There are no competing interests to declare, and we confirm that there are no relevant financial or non-financial competing interests to report for the current submission.

Derived data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author on request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Manship School of Mass Communication Diversity, Equity, and Media Grant.