Synopsis: "If You Prick Us," by Stephan Greenblatt explores the literary history of xenophobia directed at Jewish people. The piece opens with a personal story of the author’s experience when he tried to get a research assistant position. The disturbing stereotype of the money hungry Jew ended up costing Greenblatt a valuable opportunity. A trend in the comedies discussed was the necessity of the Jewish characters to convert to Christianity before they can be taken seriously. Saved by falling in love with a good Christian the characters turn their back on their Jewish roots, including their families. While Greenblatt presents an age-old struggle of his culture, there are lessons to be learned in modern culture’s treatment of a different religion.
