Waiting for Lefty Lesson Plan

In Episode V, Dr. Benjamin's Judaism is a contributing factor to his being fired, despite many members of the board also being Jewish. What is Odets saying about racism versus classism?

Begin this discussion by referring to Benjamin and Barnes's exchange over the anti-Semitism that seems to underly his dismissal. At one point, Barnes says, "I've remarked before - doesn't' seem to be much difference between wealthy Jews and rich Gentiles. Cut from the same piece!" From this statement, it's clear that Odets believes that most issues of racism are, in fact, more related to class distinctions between individuals: the rich Jewish board members have no problem seeing a...