The Cure for Gentlemen

Stream Summary

This stream offers a critical review of the 1947 film and novel "Gentleman's Agreement," exploring its cultural and political context in postwar America. The host discusses the film’s narrative about anti-Semitism, its origins, and its impact, while questioning the historical accuracy and motivations behind its creation and acclaim. The stream also reflects on the broader social engineering of attitudes in the Anglosphere during the late 1940s.

• Historical context of 1947: postwar events and the founding of Israel
• Overview and critique of "Gentleman's Agreement" (film and novel)
• Discussion of anti-Semitism and its portrayal in media
• Analysis of the film’s production, cast, and awards
• Reflections on social engineering and propaganda in postwar America
• Commentary on the influence of media on public attitudes

Sources

• Gentleman's Agreement (1947 film, directed by Elia Kazan) – Official 20th Century Studios page
• Gentleman's Agreement (1947 novel by Laura Z. Hobson) – Publisher page
• The Diary of Anne Frank (referenced book, 1947) – Publisher page
• King David Hotel bombing (referenced historical event) – Jewish Virtual Library: King David Hotel Bombing
• Simon & Schuster (referenced publisher) – Official site
• Other referenced historical attacks and events – No verified link available.
• The host’s book and donation links – No verified link available.

Key Points of Wisdom

• [00:02:12] "1947 is also when they began to roll out the cure. You see, 1947 was also the year that the diary of Anne Frank was published. And for the less literate the film, a gentleman's agreement was in theaters and we know it must have been a fantastic piece of cinema because it won three Oscars, including the Oscar for Best Picture."
  Context: On the timing and cultural impact of the film and book releases.
• [00:06:31] "The idea that it would be difficult for a Jew to get employment at a liberal New York publication in 1947, is just as laughable as as it would be today."
  Context: On the plausibility of the film’s premise.
• [00:10:04] "Remember, he's not really Jewish. She is. And also remember this movie got an Oscar for Best Picture."
  Context: On the film’s narrative device and its critical acclaim.
• [00:13:09] "Anti-Semitism is just a disease that affects all Gentiles. Even those with the best intentions who don't like racist jokes, how it even infected some of the Jews like like Phil's secretary."
  Context: On the film’s portrayal of prejudice as a universal social ill.

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