Nobody Wants This is the latest romantic comedy from Netflix and the show has become quite a success. With the show starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. The story is one that many have related to with a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes! It is set around an agnostic podcaster who begins a relationship with a Jewish rabbi. It revolves around an Interfaith Relationship! However, for the show creator, it's something more than a rom-com as it's semi-autobiographical!
Controversy and Criticism:
The creator of "Nobody Wants This is Erin Foster. This story seems pretty personal to her as she brought a storyline that came from her own interfaith romance.
However, what has been very challenging for some Jewish members of the audience, is the use of stereotypes, some found it offensive, while some may find it harmless. This type of back and forth is a powerful representation of what we are facing right now, how audiences may see the show as a success and then get called out. Fans are taking note, as Jewish fans are finding some characters, and their portrayals are a lot more than Erin Foster intended.
Jewish Women and Their Representation
What many Jewish people found disturbing were elements around the Jewish mother trope and also the idea of "Jewish American princess," these can be harmful to this population, since this stereotype often puts these women in negative light. There have been times where this group has been shown as bossy or aggressive or maybe not telling the truth and just being neurotic! You can find it everywhere: TV, movies and more!
It appears these characteristics that make up some of these well-known tropes about Jewish women really are showing up in this particular Netflix Rom-Com.
The criticism stems from viewers feeling as if some Jewish women are not shown with accuracy.
- Rebecca - one character in the show, is seen as a typical "Jewish American princess", an impression that makes audiences feel uncomfortable.
- The second character that's being pointed to by critics is Esther. Who appears in the first couple of episodes as a bit bossy and doesn't allow any flexibility.
- And finally, there is Bina, Noah's mother. Many have found her to be too overbearing, controlling and really unwelcoming!
Even with this negative feedback the Jewish community really has a wide variety of perspectives on "Nobody Wants This!" For some viewers, they appreciate some of the cultural aspects but that's not the full story as some just might not like how these characters are written! Jessica Radloff, who is writing for "Glamour" gave a nuanced view and said there's some of the show's portrayal of Judaism, that she really likes but wasn't thrilled with all of it! Esther Zuckerman, from "TIME" had an even more stark reaction that even made her question her experience and if she felt "hated!" While Jackie Tohn, who plays Esther on the show thought this was all overblown, and said there are other important aspects.
A Controversial Word
A major point of conversation about Nobody Wants This was about the word "Shiksa." Many were up in arms and this was a real sticking point!
When looking at the "Nobody Wants This episode it is shown how Noah tries to explain the word but those from the Jewish community called him out as getting things wrong. Many people think this word is outdated as the Jewish community is more accepting, particularly with mixed marriages!
The use of the term itself really caused a huge reaction because its meaning goes much deeper than a playful jab! It's rooted in words that have been used as a form of "slur, making many feel incredibly uneasy about the whole experience! This made many of these Jewish communities question how to best address this term and while some have reclaimed it in more positive ways. Many have still insisted it is truly off-limits.
Erin Foster felt that she didn't make an effort to address how Jewish women are shown. Since the show is still fresh! What stands out, is that Erin Foster stands by her decision to show the Jewish community and says she has nothing to apologize for!
An Epic Show That Is Going To Keep Making Waves!
It's all a complex matter but it is truly a part of the TIMEs as well! With shows getting a lot more popular these controversial themes can come up.
While some feel the show does a great job and gives fans of rom-coms, some find themselves debating whether "Nobody Wants This is a story they'd enjoy watching. What may stand out even more, is how Erin Foster seems to think that "Nobody Wants This" was able to show how the community is changing.
With this, Erin Foster doesn't seem to recognize that a portrayal could just be a harmful caricature.
Fans should be aware, so as Nobody Wants This is in the works for season two, it will likely continue to face major discussion, which could also result in some of the more uncomfortable and challenging conversation topics we face today. Even with those unfortunate elements this is a show that could help bring a wide-ranging conversation and perhaps allow a more constructive discussion.
There are so many important perspectives on how people feel, it's more important now more than ever to recognize all viewpoints! This can make audiences better understand how "Nobody Wants This" came together, what kind of stories we get to see from Netflix, and other big platforms that deliver content from their streaming services!
