literature June 7, 2011 – In the latest twist on the attempt to ban circumcision in Santa Monica, a comic book written by one of the movement's leaders has provoked controversy far beyond the reach of the proposed ballot measure. “Foreskin Man,” written by Matthew Hess – president of MGMbill.org, the group backing the local anti-circumcision measure – features a blond superman who thwarts “Monster Mohel,” a claw-fingered, hooked-nosed, dark-skinned demoniacal figure who tries to circumcise baby “Glick Sacks.” “'Foreskin Man,' with its grotesque anti-Semitic imagery and themes, reaches a new low and is disrespectful and deeply offensive,” Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Associate Regional Director Nancy J. Appel said in a statement released Friday.
Some of the imagery calls to mind age-old anti-Semitic canards such as the blood libel, the accusation that Jews ritually murder Christian children,” said Appel. “Another comic in the series also calls up more subtle anti-Jewish themes, such as when a character complains that the 'pro-circumcision lobby' has 'all of the well-connected doctors and lawyers.'” Hess has responded in press reports to the ADL's claims by saying the comic is “humanistic,” not anti-Semitic.
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