we all erupt in upset and outrage over something. how many of us step off of the podium, lower the baton and conduct ourselves with rational thought. the media and social media enjoy orchestrating online upset to make it sound like the 1812 overture. not every take or position, however, is worthy of a cannon blast; some don’t deserve to be are not worthy of new year’s eve noise maker. click bait is click bait; bad publicity is publicity.

actor bradley cooper stoked such a controversy concerning his biopic of musical legend leonard bernstein. he, ,r/ cooper, a non-jew, plays mr. beinstein, a jew. mr. cooper also uses a prosthetic nose for his performance. the upset is playing out concerning these matters is with such disharmony that bernstein family members posted on social media support for the actor’s effort. the sharp notes of “jewface” accusations of “jewface” have perhaps crescendoed for the moment. newspapers and media thoughtlessly [or perhaps intentionally] plod through the story without asking questions.

thus, i will take the moment to ask some questions that should be directed toward those taking offense to mr. cooper portraying the great musician.

the questions are as follows:

who is a jew? further, if there were two jews seeking the part, should their religious observance or connection to the religion serve as a tie breaker? there are talented jewish actors such as drake. should he have been considered for the part?

what if a jew vying for the part had had previously had a nose job, should they be allowed to wear the prosthetic if they played the part?

what about mr. bernstein’s other talents? should the actor portraying him be adept at music? should he be able to play piano?

in sum, there is one component of free speech that is essential; the freedom to ask intelligent questions to those outraged. certainly it would be music to my [overly large dumbo-sized] ears.