More anti-smartphone collector's cards

February 10, 2022 More anti-smartphone collector’s cards

Posted at 18:07h in Artifacts, Censorship, Technology by Frieda Vizel

For the last few years, I’ve collected a specific kind of Hasidic collector’s card: the anti-smartphone series. I posted some of the noteworthy ones a while ago here. Here are a few newer designs that jumped out at me.

This card is the perfect illustration of how insular Hasidic kids now are. In an in-depth essay, I wrote about Eli Hecht, who as an American Jewish child, was sent to live with his extremely pious grandfather in Williamsburg and to attend Hasidic schools. This would not happen today. Look at how shocked these kids are that the father is bringing home a modern-looking child.

The father is saying he needs to bring the child home for work, which is a metaphor for men who say they need to get smartphones for work. The message is clear: It’s an outrageous proposition!

Shocked children: “WHAT??!! A gentile child is moving in with us??!!” Father: “Yes, it’s necessary for work”

I always like mask jokes.

“I think that if you would put that mask over your eyes it would be more effective”

Crossing smart-ducklings. Seems perhaps inspired by the unkosher, er, Abbey Road?

Childhood indoctrination works both ways. You can get baby mobiles in Williamsburg with little mitzvah arms or the holidays. This is a different kind of early childhood messaging.

The sad saga of a devastated marriage. Riveting!

“Sadly, my dear devoted husband has been transformed into a heartless, cold stone. He either gives up the smartphone, or we will have to, god forbid…”

When apes are the ones laughing at the humans…