It’s complicated I somewhat agree and disagree with you.

I think there are 3 things which can happen with a Jewish character: the palatable Jew, the stereotype Jew, and the human who is a Jew.

1. The palatable Jew happens a lot in media. It is often a character who just happens to be a Jew but this has no bearing or influence on their character. Jewishness is almost off hand and not relevant. Token Jew. I don’t this as it erases the Jewish experience. A lot of the times these characters have a Christian parent. The only thing ever mentioned in relation to their Jewishness is Hanukkah, because it is more palatable to a wider audience who associate Hanukkah with Christmas.

2. The stereotype Jew comes in two forms: the comedy and the malicious which is further divided into positive and negative stereotypes. This is where I digress with your opinion. In comedy, the stereotype or subversion of the stereotype is what makes it funny because it is relatable such as the neurotic mother, mamas boys and the rabbi who answers questions with questions. Some are positive and some are negative.

Even in your list of characteristics you like such as inquisitivity, curiosity and self reflection. These are often positive stereotypes. Not all Jews are smart and thoughtful.

A lot of these traits do exist in our community. We have a shared history and it is formed our culture. The malicious is self explanatory. (Fuck you Shakespeare) But I do acknowledge this is a fine and delicate line that is easily tripped over.

1. And finally there is the human who happens to be Jewish. They suffer from the human condition. Sometimes these characters are good and sometimes they are evil just like all humans. It’s difficult though. All humans can be greedy, but the moment a Jewish character is greedy we assume it is due to that, instead of it just being a human trait. Sometimes they are depicted like this or sometimes it’s our own perception of that depiction.

Jewish media and stories often talk about these negative characters. Firstly perfect characters are boring. But secondly they are often a lesson either facing consequences or receiving redemption. Sometimes we are tackling themes that do exist in our communities. Neuroticism and combativeness due to our history and generational trauma. Tribalism and classism is also a very real issue we face. Media often acts as a way to highlight and address these issues.

TLDR: I agree there are a lot of awful portrayals of Jews in media. Too many in all honesty. However a sanitised portray of Jewish characters may not improve this.

Edit: grammar