Christopher Isherwood's "Right" and "Wrong" Anti-Semitism: A Political Reading

There are numerous references to Christopher Isherwood’s prejudices against Jews in scholarly literature; however, this subject has not yet been approached depth. This study aims fill that void by dissecting the author’s bias Jews: its origin and nature. The article discusses writer’s novels, memoirs diaries within frame of reference Tajfel Turner’s social identity theory which holds humans innately derogate those who perceived as being opposed. A close reading reveals Isherwood, a specific political context, considered alien him —in accordance with predictions— he instinctually derogated them. Before his stay Berlin, Judaism did interest disliked because regarded them ‘exotic’. During rise rule Nazism, writer felt compelled support —although reticently— they had become main target persecution national socialism. Later, once America, Isherwood distinguished between ‘right’ ‘wrong’ anti-Semitism stated Jewish politics were whining belligerent. Even though friends, show persistent instinctual dislike Jews. Ironically, anti-prejudice fighter could help having own prejudices.