S Poddar
The Creator of the Popular Netflix Rom-Com Nobody Wants This, Erin Foster, Vowed to Curb Criticism Due to the Show Being Blamed with Jewish Stereotypes. Critics include different views on the show where fans and critics argue over the representation of Jewish characters in the series
At 42, Foster was asked by The Los Angeles Times in an interview whether she has any comment on the allegations levied against her. The show that has been watercooler talk is of a rogue rabbi played by Adam Brody, and an outspoken, at best agnostic woman played by Kristen Bell. After criticism of the show, Foster had more to say about how the series portrays Jewish culture:
“I think we need positive Jewish stories right now,” she said. Foster challenged the idea that her portrayal of Jewish characters reinforces stereotypes. She pointed to the rabbi as one of the stars, “a hot, cool, young rabbi who smokes weed.”
That’s essentially the opposite of how people envision a Jewish rabbi, right?
By balancing the creative’s position, her defense lies within that equilibrium of what they do when representing the identity of culture on screen. She states that if she were to take that narrative and twist it so it doesn’t fit what people usually envision, its dismissal is easy: “If I made the Jewish parents, like, two granola hippies on a farm,” she said, “then someone would write, ‘I’ve never met a Jewish person like that before. You clearly don’t know how to write Jewish people.’
Related to Nobody Wants This,, inspiration also came from her personal life. The husband, Simon Tikhman, is a Jew; their relationship helped shape the characters and dynamics that feature in the series. Foster converted to Judaism over four years ago, and she openly mentioned that her experience with the religion is different, since she did not grow up Jewish. “I’m Jewish, but I didn’t grow up Jewish. it’s a different thing,” she explained.
The series has topped Netflix’s Top 10 list in rapid succession on mixed reviews. While some praise it for bringing a breath of fresh air to romantic comedies, much criticism exists over how Jewish women are being portrayed.
Regarding this, she says in Glamour, “I can’t imagine any guy who watches this show who would then say, ‘I really want to date a Jewish girl!'” Not that the Jewish ladies take control over the male protagonist, labeling them “controlling, marriage-hungry” and ostracizing anyone who does not fit their agenda. This was echoed by other viewers who couldn’t relate as it portrayed Jewish women in an unfavorable light.
Media critics have also voiced their opinions. Esther Zuckerman of Time wrote to express her frustration by showing hope that the show will succeed. She enjoyed the representation of Noah and the rabbi; however, she was muchly disappointed in the representation of Jewish women. “While it offers up the fantasy of the ideal Jewish man in Noah,” Zuckerman wrote, “the series seems to loathe Jewish women, who are portrayed as nags, harpies, and the ultimate villains of this story.” She added, “I wanted to be swept away by a rom-com. Instead, I was faced with the reality that maybe this show actually hates me.”
Another X (formerly Twitter) user bemoaned that people have focused much on the funnies and neglected to raise some issues concerning several scenes. Another X (formerly Twitter) user felt offense by a scene in which one of the characters, Tovah, was eating prosciutto: “How could this team, with a rabbi no less, have overlooked this?.and why would a Jewish basketball team be practicing on Saturdays?”.
During the middle of all this controversy, Foster has held her ground defending her show. She feels that not every portrayal will please everyone, but it is a fresh look at Jewish characters. It is indeed a work of art-written creatively and in some ways she can see the balance between reality and creative writing that she does not fall into the pit of cultural stereotyping in her work.
The fast rise of the show on Netflix clearly indicates that, despite all the criticisms, it has resonated across so wide an audience. More views lead to more conversation on matters of representation in media and cultural identity complexities, so Nobody Wants This is flashpoint for the continuing debate: How do mainstream entertainment outlets represent minority groups?.
As for Foster, she stands by her work and indeed by the new kind of narrative she wanted to bring on screen. However polarized the discussion over the show is, it has opened up very important talks on representation and identity, as well as expectations toward creatives when depicting culture.
