As might be expected from this fiercely provocative writer, David Mamet's interest in anti-Semitism is not limited to the modern face of an ancient hatred but encompasses as well the ways in which many Jews have themselves internalized that hatred. Using the metaphor of the Wicked Son at the Passover seder-the child who asks, "What does this story mean to you?"-Mamet confronts what he sees as an insidious predilection among some Jews to seek truth and meaning anywhere-in other religions, in political movements, in mindless entertainment-but in Judaism itself. At the same time, he explores the ways in which the Jewish tradition has long been and still remains the Wicked Son in the eyes of the world. Written with the searing honesty and verbal brilliance that is the hallmark of Mamet's work, The Wicked Son is a scathing look at one of the most destructive and tenacious forces in contemporary life, a powerfully thought-provoking and important book.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
brilliant:
were I more intelligent I would give this book 5 stars but alas I am not and found it somewhat tough going in the 2 days I spent reading it.
I have pondered this subject over the years and even reproached certain Jews for what I consider their anti semitic views'.How can a jew be anti semitic "is the usual ludicrous reply. Mamet {as have I} have come to the same conclusion as to what drives these traitors {my words)and to be succint they are cowards.If they can convince the world they are indeed... more info
what is a self-hating Jew?:
Mamet delivers a relentless answer to this question, describing the impact of a bigoted society on one's sense of self, and highlighting the isolation unaffiliated Jews encounter while living in a world that is always going to hate them whether they are affiliated or not. It is an indictment of the generation of Jewish intellectuals who chose to reject the faith, but like an older brother, Mamet scolds them but also makes an impassioned plea for their return. He attempts to explain to us all what a... more info
Important Theme, Botched:
Though sympathetic to Mamet's general premise, I found more to dislike about the book than I anticipated. What bothered me most were:
1) Mamet's authoritative voice was presumptuous and pedantic, especially when his arguments were thin, muddled, or unconvincing.
2) The use of Freudian theory/ terminology to buttress those arguments.
3) The erroneousness of Mamet's target: Mamet considers as "apostates" not just the obvious Chomsky-Finkelstein types ( deserving of his buckshot ), and Jews... more info
My Review/Wonderful Book:
Movies, Books, Music & ArtCommentaries
David Mamet's 'The Wicked Son'
Column: Interesting Times
Lynne Bundesen
[...]
May 25, 2007
"See also, the bachelor who manages to find in every potential mate something just a little bit wrong. This person may be accused of, and may in fact grudgingly admit to, that malady called fear of commitment, but that may be more truthfully characterized as greed. "The perennial bachelor is afraid not of commitment but of passing up... more info
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