Ah Birthright, you’ve done it again. Your clever web banner intrigued me, tempting me to point and click. I even watched the videos I found when I arrived at your Monologues site. I even thought that the performers seemed talented (and not just in that, “they’re pretty talented for a bunch of amateur Jews”, kinda way).
But what really lurks behind the traveling show “Monologues”? This collection of performances inspired by folks’ 10-day trips to the Holy Land is sponsored by Birthright Israel Next and produced with the help of well known producer/performer of Def Jam Poetry fame, Vanessa Hidary.
While I don’t doubt the sincerity of the performances I can’t help but declare, this shit seems kinda herby. Why?
First, I’m skeptical of any website that tells me to “See what the buzz is all about!”.
Second, though it’s true that Jews have a special love for hip hop, doesn’t anyone else think the Def Jam Poetry model is a bit passe?
Third, it seems that Birthright Israel Next will stop at nothing to keep us young Jews “engaged”, including preying on starving artists eager for a big break. Too bad they may get put in the “Jew Box” from now on…
