Those of you who have listened to me before will understand that I-or rather that the League of Forgotten Men-has no quarrel with individual Jews; that we are proud to have Rabbis among our directors; but those subversive international organizations which, unfortunately, are so largely Jewish, must be driven with whips and scorpions from off the face of the earth.
In Sinclair Lewis's novel "It Can't Happen Here," a character expresses a complex stance on Judaism. While he claims to have respect for individual Jews and acknowledges the presence of Rabbis within the governance of the League of Forgotten Men, he simultaneously makes a stark distinction regarding international organizations that he views as excessively Jewish in influence. This reflects a broader theme of scapegoating and prejudice against certain groups in society.
The character's vehement call to eradicate these so-called subversive organizations reveals an underlying bigotry masked by a façade of civic pride. This duality highlights the dangerous rhetoric that can accompany political movements, emphasizing the ease with which individuals can dismiss entire groups while claiming to champion individual rights. It serves as a reminder of the complexities intertwined with identity and the potential for rhetoric to breed division and hatred.
