Anti-Semitism

Father Coughlin

by Ben Shahn

Catholic priest Father Charles Coughlin became nationally known in the 1930s as a radio speaker, famous for denouncing organized labor, the New Deal, and Jews.  His opinions were inflammatory and anti-Semitic.  Anti-Semitism is generally described as hatred or hostility toward Jews as a religious, ethnic or racial group. 

Shahn’s painting shows Coughlin as a fanatical speaker, fist raised and head twisted into a pose not unlike Adolf Hitler’s.  Why might Shahn imply a parallel between Coughlin and Hitler?

(Pohl 62, Langa 192).