Episode Summary: Todd Pruzan on Design Matters with Debbie Millman

Release Date: March 17, 2025

In this compelling episode of Design Matters with Debbie Millman, host Debbie Millman engages in a profound conversation with Todd Pruzan, delving into his family's intricate relationship with The New Yorker magazine. Spanning decades, Todd's narrative weaves together themes of design, cultural identity, and familial legacy, offering listeners an introspective look at how a publication can shape personal and communal identity.

1. Introduction to Todd Pruzan and His New Yorker Collection

The episode opens with Todd Pruzan reflecting on his family's enduring bond with The New Yorker. He introduces the significance of the magazine's covers and advertisements in his household, underscoring their role in embodying the aspirations and identity his grandparents envisioned.

Todd Pruzan [00:01]: "It doesn't take a psychologist to see that the New Yorker's imagery, its covers and ads depicted the world my grandparents wanted to live in, the people they wanted to be."

2. The Golden Age of The New Yorker and Familial Assimilation

Todd reminisces about the mid-20th century, highlighting how The New Yorker served as a cultural anchor during his upbringing. He juxtaposes the magazine's imagery with his family's journey towards understanding and embracing their Jewish identity within an American context.

Todd Pruzan [00:38]: "The New Yorker cover. The era when I was growing up, when the magazine and I were both learning vaguely to be Jewish."

3. The Genesis of a Treasured Collection

At [06:43], Todd delves into the origins of his family's collection of The New Yorker covers. He narrates how his grandmother began saving these covers, viewing them as emblematic of the cultural and social milieu they admired. This collection became a tangible link to their aspirations and a silent witness to their assimilation.

Todd Pruzan [06:43]: "These cartoons don't translate easily. You just had to be there. My grandmother was there."

4. The New Yorker as a Cultural Proxy

Todd explores the concept of The New Yorker acting as a surrogate for religious and cultural practices within his family. Despite lacking explicit Jewish symbols or traditions, the magazine's presence filled a void, subtly reinforcing their cultural identity.

Todd Pruzan [19:15]: "The New Yorker became something like an article of faith. If I said, I've come to think of the New Yorker as a proxy for our Jewish presence and practice,..."

5. Evolution of Representation in The New Yorker

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the transformation of The New Yorker's covers over the decades. Todd analyzes how the magazine transitioned from a predominantly white, affluent portrayal to embracing a more diverse and inclusive representation, mirroring societal changes.

Todd Pruzan [25:02]: "Maybe a little ethnic ambiguity just enough might have made him more employable."

6. Influence of Jewish Artists and Cultural Shifts

Todd highlights the contributions of Jewish artists like Edward Coren and Saul Steinberg, whose nuanced portrayals subtly infused Jewish cultural elements into The New Yorker's visual narrative. This infusion played a pivotal role in gradually diversifying the magazine's imagery.

Todd Pruzan [32:10]: "Edward Coren really may have been that critical catalyst at the exact moment in the New Yorker's history when the Jewish culture that amused him first rhymed with what amused its editors."

7. Personal Reflections on Identity and Tradition

Venturing into personal territory, Todd reflects on his own struggles with Jewish identity amidst a secular upbringing. He contemplates the role The New Yorker played in his life, serving both as a cultural touchstone and a means of navigating his heritage.

Todd Pruzan [40:22]: "I might have seized that moment to lead my own family in lighting the menorah, but I wouldn't have been passing that tradition down."

8. The Legacy of The New Yorker in Modern Times

Towards the end of his monologue, Todd contemplates the current state of The New Yorker, acknowledging its ongoing evolution and its relevance in today's diverse societal landscape. He juxtaposes past and present, emphasizing the magazine's enduring impact on his family's legacy.

Todd Pruzan [50:17]: "But I think the golden age might be right now. This is no longer Eustace Tilly's magazine perched high above us. The New Yorker lives with us in our world..."

9. Conclusion and Reflections on Family and Culture

In wrapping up, Todd reflects on the intricate balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing assimilation. He underscores the importance of mediums like The New Yorker in bridging generational and cultural gaps, ensuring that familial narratives are both preserved and evolved.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Todd Pruzan [00:01]: "It doesn't take a psychologist to see that the New Yorker's imagery, its covers and ads depicted the world my grandparents wanted to live in, the people they wanted to be."

• Todd Pruzan [06:43]: "These cartoons don't translate easily. You just had to be there. My grandmother was there."

• Todd Pruzan [19:15]: "The New Yorker became something like an article of faith."

• Todd Pruzan [25:02]: "Maybe a little ethnic ambiguity just enough might have made him more employable."

• Todd Pruzan [32:10]: "Edward Coren really may have been that critical catalyst at the exact moment in the New Yorker's history when the Jewish culture that amused him first rhymed with what amused its editors."

• Todd Pruzan [40:22]: "I might have seized that moment to lead my own family in lighting the menorah, but I wouldn't have been passing that tradition down."

• Todd Pruzan [50:17]: "But I think the golden age might be right now. This is no longer Eustace Tilly's magazine perched high above us. The New Yorker lives with us in our world..."

Final Thoughts

Todd Pruzan's introspective narrative offers listeners a unique perspective on how design and media, exemplified by The New Yorker, intertwine with personal and cultural identities. Through his family's collection, Todd illustrates the subtle yet profound ways in which a publication can influence and reflect the evolving dynamics of heritage, assimilation, and self-perception.