by Elisa Garfagna
The phenomenon of Nazi propaganda against Jews had a profound impact on public
perception in Germany and across Europe. One of the most disturbing aspects of this
propaganda was the portrayal of Jewish physical features, used to create and spread
negative stereotypes. Nazi propaganda depicted Jews with stereotypical physical traits such as hooked noses, dark skin, and curly hair. These representations were often exaggerated and caricatured, intended to suggest that Jews were “other,” different, and inferior to the Aryan population.
These traits were used to justify racism and discrimination, presenting Jews as a threat to
the purity and unity of the Aryan race. The sources of this propaganda were varied. Publications like “Der Stürmer,” an anti-Semitic weekly newspaper run by Julius Streicher, played a crucial role. “Der Stürmer” published cartoons and articles that promoted a distorted image of Jews, contributing to the spread of
hate and prejudice.
The Nazi regime also used cinema as a propaganda tool. Films like “Judgment at
Nuremberg” and other propaganda documentaries portrayed Jews in a negative light,
emphasizing their physical traits to fuel anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitic posters and artwork used
during the Nazi regime highlighted caricatures and distorted representations of Jews, further
cementing these stereotypes in public consciousness.
Nazi propaganda aimed to dehumanize Jews, making them scapegoats for Germany’s
economic and social problems. By presenting Jews as an inferior race, the Nazis sought to
justify their exclusion and persecution. This approach not only created a common enemy but
also served to unite the Aryan population around ideals of racial purity.
The physical representations and narratives constructed by Nazi propaganda had
devastating consequences. Not only did they fuel anti-Semitism and justify acts of violence
and discrimination, but they also contributed to the creation of a climate of fear and hatred.
The consequences of this propaganda tragically manifested in the Holocaust, where millions
of Jews were persecuted and exterminated.
And today?
A significant modern example of caricaturization involves a Jewish politician in 2024: Bernie
Sanders, a U.S. senator and prominent figure in the Democratic Party. Sanders, who is of
Jewish descent, has often been subject to caricatures over the years that emphasize
stereotypical physical traits, such as his distinctive appearance, nose, and gray hair, in an
attempt to portray him negatively. In politics, Sanders has been depicted in various cartoons and memes that exaggerate his physical features, using his appearance to create an image of him as the “crafty Jew” maneuvering in the political world. This portrayal harks back to historical anti-Semitic stereotypes, where Jews are often associated with manipulation or greed.
In 2024, the caricaturization of Sanders has been evident in various articles and social
media posts, where he has been depicted in a caricatured way in relation to economic or
social policies. For example, during debates on healthcare reform or taxes, his political
opponents have sometimes used his physical appearance to mock him, distorting his public
image and reducing his complexity to simple stereotypes.
This form of caricature not only damages Sanders’ reputation but also contributes to
perpetuating a broader narrative of anti-Semitism in society. The portrayal of Jews as
manipulators or as “others” is reflected in these caricatures, contributing to a climate of
intolerance.
The example of Bernie Sanders illustrates how, despite progress in the fight against
anti-Semitism, stereotypes and caricatures continue to influence the public perception of
Jews. By analyzing specific cases like that of Sanders, we can highlight the persistence of
anti-Semitic stereotypes and their impact on public figures and the Jewish community as a
whole.