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 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 exclude themselves from the equation and to seek truth and meaning anywhere--in other religions, political movements, mindless entertainment--but in Judaism itself. He also 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 powerfully thought-provoking look at one of the most destructive and tenacious forces in contemporary life.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Compelling and Timely:
Jewish Anti-Semitism (not a cute pun on Arab claims of shared Semite classification), has been with us as long as there have been Jews. Speaking as a Jew who finds it increasingly difficult not to dislike many of those who claim, as Mamet points out is their usual self-defining introduction, to "be Jewish but not ..." as they qualify what makes them more acceptable than run of the mill Jews. Well, as the child of European Jews who were the sole survivors of their respective large families, I follow the rule... more info
Life changing:
This is hard to swallow, but it is meant to be hard to swallow. its molten lead tickling the tonsils.
while obviously this is written for middle-class ambitious, and successful american jews it hits me hard in the heart. as a european jew, russian to be precise. my constant balancing act of wanting to be observant and fearing the responsibility that comes with the torah, not to mention trying to keep a sense of individuality, which i too am starting to realize is nothing more than an illusion. is... more info
Mamet is in good form in The Wicked Son. review by K Conrey:
I've come to the conclusion that the two professional reviewers are themselves anti-Semitic. I found the book to be very interesting and not at all disjointed. The author has very specific views about current problems in Jewish Congregations. I found his analysis of the problems and his responses to them to be very interesting and helpful. Enjoy!The Wicked Son: Anti-Semitism, Self-hatred, and the Jews (Jewish Encounters)
Great topic, but scattered presentation of a crucial theme:
Mamet's brief defense of Jewish pride against his fellow Jews preening their self-loathing meanders, yet, as with much of his drama and film, his barbed messages prickle your complacency. He argues that the sadly familiar figure of today's secular Jew delighting in demeaning Torah, mocking synagogue, and defying tradition is rooted in the "wicked son" who challenges the family, the tribe, at the ritual recital of the Seder. He suggests that the Torah itself's addressed to such a skeptic or rebel. He... more info
