AH Challenge: Rhythm & Jews

[carlton_bach]

From: "The Human Race. A Primer on Human Biology and Eugenics", Schuylkill Publishing, New York 1937:

The differences between the various sub-races of humans are most noticeable in their appearance, such as the Negroids' wide noses and pronounced prognathicism or the slanted eyes of the Mongoloid race. They are not, however, limited to this sphere, and it can with some justification be said that the most important variance occurs at another level entirely. Thus we esteem the Caucasian race, and in particular its Germanic branch, not for the lightness of its skin or the fairness of its hair, but for its natural proclivity to science and exploration. Similarly obvious racial traits are the remarkable talent of the Jew for rhythmical music and his almost innate ability to create melody - a phenomenon borne out by the extensive contribution that this race has made to the musical culture of this country and its complete dominance particularly of its entertainment music industry. ...

From: "Judenmusik und Buschkunst", Thule Verlag, Munich 1931 (translated from German):

It is the shame of a defeated, disoriented and humiliated nation to have to see its youth nightly creep into the cellars of our inner cities to dance like maenads to the discordant tunes and enervating rhythms of Jewish music - this, the country of Bach, Beethoven and Wagner! If we fail to teach this young generation the value of true, artistic music, their souls are already lost to Itzig the saxophonist and Moische the drummer, and where the souls go, the bodies will not be far behind! Parents, beware your daughters! The animalistic Jew with his sensual music lusts to lure them from your homes...

So, how do we get *this* particular bit of prejudice?

[Norman]

I recall that one of the reasons why jews became involved in money lending, and there by gained the reputation of being sharp with money was because CHristians weren't permitted to lend other Christians money and charge interest, because it was usery (I think Islam has similar prohibitions).

So if there is some sort of a prohibition against Christians creating anything other than high, or church music, the creaton of popular music might be left to jews.

Then, as society changes with the reformation, the prejudice is established, jews are the only ones creating secular music, and any who wish to learn it must go there, and jews become famous for all things musical and rythmic.