Shakespeare's Foible

I think Shakespeare's play "Merchant of Venice" is one obscenely racist piece of work. Have that today , and you will hear from left wing groups , blacks, Jews, and everyone. The tone is explicit in the hatred towards Jews. Its possible, for the mood in those days to have been anti-Semetic , and that Shakespeare did nothing but reflect those views rather than present his own, it just doesn't seem right. In today's context its stereotypical and bigoted. Also Portia's arguments in court *where she gets to be a lawyer through deception* to save Antonio's ass, seems like she needs a little Law 101.
Anyway, its too anachronistic to have such stories to be played out in this day and age. Was just watching an episode of "The Family Guy" Where Peter Griffin , the dope, bastardizes "The king and I" to such an extent its more like a 30th century porno flick, and is loved by the audience. Isn't that what it's all about, selling smut to the audience , because the audience wants smut? Does the audience affect the paint brush on the canvas of an artiste or does art influence and shape public perceptions? Never can tell, the audience will always be protective , cover their ears and run off when they see or hear someting contrary to their belief. Farenhrit 9-11 seems to be one of those left-wing conspiracy theory documentaries, I'd love to go watch it. Screw you "White Chicks" .