[Bilimsel Haber] The Borat Phenomenon

[Sule Tarakci]

*Borat*

	

	

	

The Borat Phenomenon:
Cultural Learnings of the Media for Make Benefit Glorious Jewish Nation

A Panel Proposal for the Association of Jewish Studies 39th Annual
Conference
(Toronto, 16-18 December 2007).

Sponsored by the Working Group on Jews, Media and Religion Center for
Religion and Media, NYU.
Borat, a film featuring the remarkably politically-incorrect Kazakh TV
journalist, has generated a number of controversies–and considerable box
office revenues. As Borat journeys through the “U, S and A” in searchof
“cultural learnings,” his naive anti-Semitism and chauvinism expose
America's own prejudices. Borat, personified by the British-Jewish
comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, knows no boundaries: every sacred cow—race,
gender, class, religion— becomes a target of his satire.

This panel asks whether we can see Borat as a Jewish film, akin to
Blazing Saddles or The Producers. What are the cinematic and rhetorical
devices that the film uses to expose prejudice? How does traditional
Jewish humor inform Borat’s satire and parody? How do techniques of
“reality television” change or challenge it? What are the language
politics of the film, and what is its significance for the audience and
critical reception? What are the relationships between Borat and other
Cohen’s personas, Da Ali G and Bruno? Finally, given Borat’s
representation in film, TV, and on the internet, what is the role of
medium in “Borat phenomenon”?

This panel seeks contributions to the critical analysis of “Borat
phenomenon,” including media, language, and personalia of the film (and
related media), as well as its production and reception. Proposals are
welcome for papers addressing larger theoretical and philosophical
issues about Jews, media, and popular culture, which use Borat as a
specific case study.

Please send a title, a 150-word abstract, a very brief bio-note, and
contact information, by Sunday, April 15, 2007 to:
Olga Gershenson, Umass-Amherst, email gershenson at judnea.umass.edu

For more information about the Center for Religion and Media @ NYU,
visit their website: http://www.nyu.edu/fas/center/religionandmedia/

	Olga Gershenson
Umass-Amherst
Email: gershenson at judnea.umass.edu <mailto:gershenson at judnea.umass.edu>