Positive Black Family Sitcoms: Where did they go?

Highlights History of Black men and women in television Stereotypes Portrayals of the Black Family Popular Black sitcoms The Cosby Show Sitcoms after The Cosby Show The effects on children Discussion Questions

The History of Black men and women in television In the early years of primetime television Blacks were often seen in roles in Black situation comedies. Black situation comedies are programs that focus on gags, physical movements, and one-liners. These comedies are embedded with stereotypes that play off Blackness to create humor. Even though early situation comedies stereotyped Black men and women the presence of Blacks in these comedies was seen as a big thing because African American viewers were able to see themselves on screen.

Stereotypes The Sambo Black men on primetime television were often characterized to be child-like, lazy, a clown, crook, and always ready to perform. This portrayal was seen often in shows such as Amos ‘n’ Andy and Goodtimes

The Sapphire One of the roles that were available for Black women was the sapphire. The sapphire was a woman that was loud, very opinionated, and was not taken serious. The Mammy The mammy was the most common role played by Black women. The mammy always appeared to be a heavy set black woman who was always happy, took care of the kids, and loved her white family.

Portrayal of the Black Family In the beginning of Black situation comedies the black family wasn’t visible. Shows such as Leave It to Beaver promoted the idea that the white family structure was pure and wholesome. Slowly but surely the presence of a nuclear black family on primetime television came about.

Popular Black Sitcoms The Beulah Show Idealized dream of a housekeeper Reinforced the notion of a African American women comfortable living with her white family Beulah was happy and unaware of her children but took care of someone else’s http://The Beulah Show

Julia (1968-1971) Good Times (1974-1979) Single mother raising her son Family oriented, integrated environment Breath of fresh air Good Times (1974-1979) 1st written without a husband/father 1st time to show a black family with a mother and father Greatest potential- inner-city, solid family, real world issues relevant to African Americans. Downfall- elevated JJ’s role (buffoon, sambo)

Roots(1977) Power of family Showed black people being like any other immigrant Family saga http://Roots Frank’s Place(1987-1988) Diverse images of black people To real for Americans, white America can’t handle the reality killed by ratings

The Cosby Show New image of Black families in America Represents everybody’s fantasies Nuclear family Emphasis on the family dynamic Ideal American family

Black Family Sitcoms after The Cosby Show The Fresh Prince of Bell Air, 1990-1996 Sister, Sister, 1994-1999 Family Matters, 1989-1998 Parenthood ,1999-2000 Moesha, 1996-2001 My Wife and Kids, 2001-2005 Everybody Hates Chris, 2005-present

The effects on children So with all this history behind Black Sitcoms and the number of family sitcoms that have come and gone how does this effect children in today’s society? misrepresentation or lack of information can harm a child’s social development. Can promote negative views of one’s self or another group. If a child can not see themselves on television they tend to except another groups worldview.

Effects continued…. The Social Cognitive theory is “the idea that people learn through interacting with and observing each other”.- Albert Bandura Today the two of most popular Black family sitcoms is The Cleveland Show and Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. Many critics have claimed that these shows reinforce old situation comedy buffoonery. Some also say that the families in these shows do not exhibit what they believe to be the Black family.

http:House of Payne //www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD5Yf8kn3Wk “Images of minority groups that the cognitions and emotions that the majority of white Americans develop about people of color arise significantly from mass media”- Entman and Rojecki

Discussion Questions Do you agree with the criticisms from Spike Lee about Tyler Perry ‘s show ? Are you familiar with the shows that were discussed? Do you agree with Entman and Rojecki that white Americans develop attitudes towards people of color through mass media? Do you think that black sitcoms can have an affect on a child’s perception of the black family dynamics? Did this presentation change your perspective of how you viewed Black family sitcoms?