Amor’s answer to “Mr. Towles - We loved The Lincoln Highway but were shocked and disappointed to see you casually t…” > Likes and Comments
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Amen.
Thank you Amor Towles for not removing this attribute of a character who, as anyone aware of history would be able to tell, would have been antisemitic at that point would have likely been so in reality. As a young Jewish woman I second that it is actually a duty owed by writers and artists to their readerships to display antisemitism alongside the other distasteful traits which exist in society. If we remove such traits from narratives due to our (justified) discomfort or the sad memories such as those antisemitism invokes for my people - even when it shows up through the mouthpiece of obvious 'bad guys' and so is itself being condemned - that would contribute in its way to a global recognition of antisemitism waning. Without it featuring in mediums like literature (including contemporary), how would most people be exposed to antisemitism unless they witnessed it or experienced it first hand? The majority of people will not fall into these categories (I hope). Explanations in a classroom are necessary but not equivalent. When I read this antisemitic character I appreciated it's inclusion even though I realise not all readers see it the same way
I agree with you. Being accurate as to time and character( while abhorrent to many and anathemata to those who want to protect others feelings) is the right approach to educate in my humble opinion. Nor did those comments appear to be supported.
This is what good writing does, it calls attention to the issues within society not cover them up. Often through fiction we can realize the flaws and injustice more readily than when confronted with our own prejudice in real life. It can also help bring awareness of the discrimination that is out there to those who have not personally experienced it.
You tell 'em Mr. Towles! Whitewashing is purposeless. Create real characters with real dialog.
You tell 'em Mr. Towles! Whitewashing is purposeless.
You tell 'em Mr. Towles! Whitewashing is purposeless. Create real characters with real dialog.
Well said, Mr. Towles! I think the reader misinterpreted the situation, unfortunately. As a Jewish person, I actually admired and appreciated the perspective
Excellent response! What makes me sad is that writers need to explain such basics
My book group, as well, found these slurs gratuitous and upsetting. Such stereotyping was not necessary. There were many ways to show Duchess’s character without spreading anti-Semitism.
I agree with the author. We need to be reminded that such people not only did exist but that they continues to exist today.
Even Pastor John made reference to “the Jews of 47th Street” not giving a fair price for Billy’s coins. We don’t need these stereotypes persisting.
Judi, did you actually read the book? Pastor John is a villain.
Yes. I READ the book. Do ALL villains have to be antisemites?
This is exactly how I perceived it--these were the thoughts and actions of the characters. I never considered them to be the thoughts of the author! This is a novel for God's sake.
Great book, as are your other ones, and I agree with you wholeheartedly on this topic!
Hi Mr. Towles. I love your books and your writing. I just wanted to say that I thought your response to the question above is right on! Keep up the great work.
Agreed. It was a character flaw of that had to be exposed.
Mr. Towles, I struggled with your "casual antisemitism" as well. It felt gratuitous and did not add to the story, nor was it presented as problematic. It seemed rather to allow antisemitic readers to feel a nod or wink from you, the writer. There was a lot of racism at the time, yet your book did not feel casually racist. You may ask yourself why the one felt comfortable to you, while the other did not.
As a descendant of Holocaust survivors, I grew up with their trauma. Perhaps you don't appreciate the degree to which antisemitism is dangerous and scary to Jews. We were murdered in droves. There must be other ways to present your character's flaws without dabbling in antisemitism.
Pastor John, a fake minister, makes those statements while trying to violently rob a child. I don't believe anyone thinks the author is expressing his own views, or views the author finds acceptable, through such a contemptable character.
I completely agree with Mr. Towles. It is important that readers feel the egregiousness,, discomfort, pain, and agony of antisemitic comments, which were part of normal and widely accepted conversation in the time period, in order to correct and eradicate those types of comments and thought processes in the future. Evolution does not occur through whitewashing and ignoring.
Why do people want to change history? Or maybe just deny it? Dangerous stuff, either way.
Good answer. Would this person object to a novel with Eichmann in it, with Eichmann saying bad things about the Jews? People are crazy.
Amen, Mr. Towles! In this day of putting today's standards on the past, I am glad to see you set straight the questioner.
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Feb 10, 2022 07:15AM
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Thank you Amor Towles for not removing this attribute of a character who, as anyone aware of history would be able to tell, would have been antisemitic at that point would have likely been so in reality. As a young Jewish woman I second that it is actually a duty owed by writers and artists to their readerships to display antisemitism alongside the other distasteful traits which exist in society. If we remove such traits from narratives due to our (justified) discomfort or the sad memories such as those antisemitism invokes for my people - even when it shows up through the mouthpiece of obvious 'bad guys' and so is itself being condemned - that would contribute in its way to a global recognition of antisemitism waning. Without it featuring in mediums like literature (including contemporary), how would most people be exposed to antisemitism unless they witnessed it or experienced it first hand? The majority of people will not fall into these categories (I hope). Explanations in a classroom are necessary but not equivalent. When I read this antisemitic character I appreciated it's inclusion even though I realise not all readers see it the same way
I agree with you. Being accurate as to time and character( while abhorrent to many and anathemata to those who want to protect others feelings) is the right approach to educate in my humble opinion. Nor did those comments appear to be supported.
This is what good writing does, it calls attention to the issues within society not cover them up. Often through fiction we can realize the flaws and injustice more readily than when confronted with our own prejudice in real life. It can also help bring awareness of the discrimination that is out there to those who have not personally experienced it.
You tell 'em Mr. Towles! Whitewashing is purposeless. Create real characters with real dialog.
You tell 'em Mr. Towles! Whitewashing is purposeless.
You tell 'em Mr. Towles! Whitewashing is purposeless. Create real characters with real dialog.
Well said, Mr. Towles! I think the reader misinterpreted the situation, unfortunately. As a Jewish person, I actually admired and appreciated the perspective
Excellent response! What makes me sad is that writers need to explain such basics
My book group, as well, found these slurs gratuitous and upsetting. Such stereotyping was not necessary. There were many ways to show Duchess’s character without spreading anti-Semitism.
I agree with the author. We need to be reminded that such people not only did exist but that they continues to exist today.
Even Pastor John made reference to “the Jews of 47th Street” not giving a fair price for Billy’s coins. We don’t need these stereotypes persisting.
Judi, did you actually read the book? Pastor John is a villain.
Yes. I READ the book. Do ALL villains have to be antisemites?
This is exactly how I perceived it--these were the thoughts and actions of the characters. I never considered them to be the thoughts of the author! This is a novel for God's sake.
Great book, as are your other ones, and I agree with you wholeheartedly on this topic!
Hi Mr. Towles. I love your books and your writing. I just wanted to say that I thought your response to the question above is right on! Keep up the great work.
Agreed. It was a character flaw of that had to be exposed.
Mr. Towles, I struggled with your "casual antisemitism" as well. It felt gratuitous and did not add to the story, nor was it presented as problematic. It seemed rather to allow antisemitic readers to feel a nod or wink from you, the writer. There was a lot of racism at the time, yet your book did not feel casually racist. You may ask yourself why the one felt comfortable to you, while the other did not.As a descendant of Holocaust survivors, I grew up with their trauma. Perhaps you don't appreciate the degree to which antisemitism is dangerous and scary to Jews. We were murdered in droves. There must be other ways to present your character's flaws without dabbling in antisemitism.
Pastor John, a fake minister, makes those statements while trying to violently rob a child. I don't believe anyone thinks the author is expressing his own views, or views the author finds acceptable, through such a contemptable character.
I completely agree with Mr. Towles. It is important that readers feel the egregiousness,, discomfort, pain, and agony of antisemitic comments, which were part of normal and widely accepted conversation in the time period, in order to correct and eradicate those types of comments and thought processes in the future. Evolution does not occur through whitewashing and ignoring.
Why do people want to change history? Or maybe just deny it? Dangerous stuff, either way.
Good answer. Would this person object to a novel with Eichmann in it, with Eichmann saying bad things about the Jews? People are crazy.
Amen, Mr. Towles! In this day of putting today's standards on the past, I am glad to see you set straight the questioner.
