Jakobsen's Essay 'Queers Are Like Jews, Aren' T They

Critical Paper: Judaism and Culture

In this essay, I will begin by introducing the functions of analogies and then I will analyze Janet Jakobsen’s argument of using analogies in the essay “Queer’s Are Like Jews, Aren’t They?” I will explain how Jews are both similar and also not similar to Barbie according to a statement made in the video, “The Tribe''. Finally, I will describe the effects of reversing the contexts of analogies.

Analogies explain the meaning of a word by comparing it to something of similar value. It is used for teaching purposes or for general clarification. Analogies compare two different things to describe shared qualities or characteristics. Analogies come with the implication that the two comparisons are of similar value.

Analogy and Alliance Politics” she delves deeper into comparing the analogy between two marginalized groups in society: Jews and Queers (Jakobsen, 64). The author argues that analogies can be effective and powerful when used in certain contexts, but also harmful when comparing two groups. She states that analogies diminishes relationships between two subjects when it comes to their distinct difficulties and “oppressions” by focusing on the similarities (Jakobsen, 67). She further argues that by creating analogies creates two separate groups, undermines the intersections between them, and overlooks the particular issues that the group experiences (Jakobsen,

Barbies were initially created with the western features and characteristics which were desirable at the time: like blue eyes, blonde hair, and gentle curves. They represented the beauty standards which were considered ideal and favored by society. However, these unrealistic standards are difficult to achieve by the average woman. Similarly, Jews also do not fall into a category which represents the quintessential Jew. Jewish people have a wide variety of cultures, customs, traditions, and beliefs which may not fit into the ideal Jew represented by the Jewish faith. These different opinions and views can be demonstrated through the Jews in the United States today. Identifying as being Jewish today may have different meanings than what previous ancestors once