The Jewish Noses Stereotype

Even today, Jews are often depicted in the media as ugly, demonic, and dehumanized, with extra-large and hooked noses, perpetuating the myth and hateful stereotype of the "Jewish nose." This stereotype has persisted for centuries —from medieval Christian art to Nazi propaganda imagery and even modern-day TV shows— even though scientific studies have disproven the notion that Jewish noses are larger than those of other ethnicities. As a result, nose jobs have become a norm and are sometimes even encouraged within many Jewish communities. Despite the evidence against it, this harmful stereotype continues to affect the perception of Jewish people, and fosters discrimination.

While some Jews may share similar characteristics to other Middle Eastern peoples because the Jewish people originate from the Land of Israel, which is in the Middle East, the singular stereotype of the "Jewish nose" persists and serves as a dangerous and often harmful rhetoric that has no basis in reality.

Big Ideas

1. The “Jewish nose” stereotype is false and antisemitic. 
2. When propaganda is repeated, people, sometimes even the victims themselves, believe it to be true.
3. Antisemitism has historical roots and persists today.

Essential Questions

1. Where does the “Jewish nose” stereotype come from? 
2. Why do people believe antisemitic stereotypes? 
3. How have antisemitic ideas persisted throughout history?