Focus

The 1940s were a time of drastic social changes throughout the world. Although World War II was centralized in Europe, its effects created a shockwave across America. American Jews faced persecution and anti-Semitism on a daily basis. While some Americans chose to support the Jews, the majority either kept quiet or joined hate groups like the Christian Front. As these hate-groups expanded and their power increased, Americans were forced to take sides. Some tried to …

…fully evident that anti-Semitism in America at the time was a closed and truly forbidden topic. Through Newman one can see all sides of the issue, and see what humans are capable of in the cruelest of extremes. The simplistic character of Newman sees Anti-Semitism through several different perspectives, from the oppressor to the oppressed. Only when he sees both sides of the issue can he fully come to terms with what is morally right.