Long before the crypto-Jew, Superman, was Abie Kabibble, who appeared in Abie the Agent, the first syndicated Jewish comic strip in America, and one of the longest running ethnic comics. Published in newspapers throughout the US from 1914-1940, Abie presented a very different image of the Jew than had previously appeared on the vaudeville stage, in novels, and on phonograph records.
Author Jeff Marx’s slide presentation and talk focuses on anti-immigration sentiments by American nativists in the early 1900s and shares the challenges faced by Jewish graphic artists of that time who sought to present Jewish caricature in more positive ways. In doing so, they influenced how Jews were subsequently presented in comics, on the radio, and on television.
This live Zoom presentation, followed by an open discussion, is based on Marx’s latest book, Smoothing the Jew: Abie the Agent and Ethnic Caricature in the Progressive Era (Rutgers University Press, 2024) and is presented as part of the national Will Eisner Week celebration. This event is FREE to attend but registration is required.
Go here to register.
Jeff Marx has written and lectured on a variety of topics involving the American Jewish experience, including the history of cream cheese and the origins of bagels and lox. His forthcoming article “Shh, It Vas Next Week,” deals with nineteenth century jokes and cartoons which depicted Jewish store owners as arsonists, burning down their businesses for the insurance money.
Co-presented by the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum and the Melton Center for Jewish Studies.
