Goblins and Jews – Photographic evidence
Some people wanted photographic evidence of my thinking that JK Rowlings’ depiction of goblins draws upon (almost certainly unconsciously) on some common stereotypes of Jews. Well, via a message board post that linked to me, I’ve tracked down these pictures. Once again, I’m not calling JK Rowling an anti semite, or anything of that nature. Just thought it was interesting how greedy, miserly, cheap, hooked nose, treacherous, studiously neutral, short and banker all got thrown into the mix of a single magical race. All the stereotyped fun is below the fold.
Here’s a picture of a goblin from one of the movies – over which Rowling has extensive creative control
Now some propaganda images from 19th century America and Nazi era Germany
I’m confused about the last image. Was a soap company trying to sell their product by claiming that only Jews use other brands of soap?
Ned
July 27, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Minor point, but the film poster is Dutch, not German; presumably a piece of post-Occupation propaganda.
Oliver
July 28, 2007 at 2:07 am
I was thinking the same things after reading the last book.
zq
July 29, 2007 at 1:33 pm
A lot of these Jewish stereotypes are just stereotypes of bankers — greedy, miserly, cheap, treacherous, and studiously neutral — and could just as easily apply to the Swiss as well. The notable connection being that both the Swiss and Jews are generalized as being…bankers.
The image stuff is different (hooked nose and short), but that’s pretty common in depictions of Goblins throughout lots of fantasy. Now it’s possible that goblins were invented to caricature Jews and the J.K. Rowling decided to make her Goblins bankers to emphasize the stereotype (though I doubt it).
I give the novels the benefit of the doubt since a lot of the plot is opposed to discrimination based on blood. There’s even a Germany-specific back story (with trials at Numenburg or similiar) over the abuse/murder of people based on racial difference. My Anti-Jewdar didn’t go off.
quixote
July 31, 2007 at 2:13 am
Even Malfloy had remorse, but Griphook never did. Harry is depicted as Jesus (the savior sacrifying himself for people) betrayed by goblins.
Greg
August 27, 2007 at 10:31 pm
The Goblins had a reason to distrust humans. Even Harry (the hero) was going to “betray” Griphook. And goblins are treated nicer here than in a lot of mythical stories. Take Lord of the Rings, for example. The Goblins there are also hook-nosed, long-eared, and a host of other things. Compared to the number of times that Goblins are portrayed as uncultured brutes or undeniable enemies, J.K. treats them well. They have a code of honor, have integrated fairly well into society, and (as stated above) have reasons to not trust humans. I don’t see any anti-Jewish signals here.
Elenor
January 14, 2008 at 1:21 am
Jewdar. lol Gollum was Tolkien’s Jew. No one likes Jews and the stereotype has basis in some truth. Too bad, so sad.
Emma
April 5, 2008 at 1:12 am