Nir Dagan / Spain: 500 Years After

...your loving colleagues...

A short satirical story

Letter 1

Dear Nir,

We have noticed that a caricature that you saw posted on our walls made you somewhat unhappy. Clearly, it was a consequence of a misunderstanding. We hereby assure you that there is no antisemitism in Spain, at least no more than in other countries. The point is that here we do not feel as restricted by the norms of the politically correct as in other countries, who do not post caricatures of this type only because of these latter normative restrictions. Indeed, caricatures of this type appeared in Nazi publications, but in the one you referred to, we make fun of a Catalan who behaves like an ugly cheap Jew and not of an ugly cheap Jew.

We understand that your overreaction was a consequence of some stress that you recently had in your personal life, and we hope that you will get well soon.

Sincerely, your loving colleagues at Universitat Pompeu Fabra.

Letter 2

Dear Nir,

We have noticed that an article and a caricature that you saw in El Periódico made you somewhat unhappy. Clearly, it was a consequence of a misunderstanding. We hereby assure you that there is no antisemitism in Spain, at least no more than in other countries. The point is that describing your country as Nazi Germany is an understandable, although a little bit exaggeragated, response to the behavior of your government. Indeed, the article and the caricature were published in a leading newspaper, but we are confident that they represent only the personal opinions of the author and the editor.

We understand that your overreaction was a consequence of some stress that you recently had in your personal life, as well as your extreme right wing political views, and we advise you to get some professional help that may assist you to get well.

Sincerely, your loving colleagues at Universitat Pompeu Fabra.

Letter 3

Dear Nir,

We have noticed that the latest warrant of your deportation issued by the Reyes Católicos made you somewhat unhappy. Clearly, it was a consequence of a misunderstanding. We hereby assure you that there is no antisemitism in Spain, at least no more than in other countries. The point is that here we do not feel as restricted by the norms of the politically correct as in other countries, who do not deport you only because of these latter normative restrictions. Moreover, describing your people as messengers of the Devil is an understandable, although a little bit exaggerated, response to the behavior of Judas, the high Jewish court, and the Jewish crowds who demanded Jesus's death. Indeed, the warrant was issued by the King and Queen, but we are confident that it represents only their personal opinions.

We understand that your overreaction was a consequence of your Jewish way of thinking, and we advise you to repent as soon as possible.

Praying for the salvation of your soul, your loving colleagues at Universitat Pompeu Fabra.


Copyright © 1997-2006 by Nir Dagan / Contact information / Written and published May 21, 1997.