Why is "Amons N Andy" TV Show considered racist, and "Sanford and Son" is not racist?

Question

Seems like Redd Foxx did more to stereotype the blacks than Spencer Williams and Alvin Childress ever did. Maybe "Sanford and Son" should be taken off TV Land and replaced by "Cosby" Oh yea, let's not forget "Good Times".

Answer 1

Personally, I liked the Amos and Andy Show. And before you all get upset, I've been Black for a long time - it'll be 56 years next month. Every sitcom does some stereotyping - Do all 20-somethings act like Friends? Do all men act like Tim the Tool Man Taylor? Are all women as sarcastic as Designing Women? I think people need to just get on with their lives, let real humor be humor, take the nastiness out of dealing with people, and pretty much try out that Golden Rule thing, you know, the one that says Do Unto Others . . .

Answer 2

I think the more applicable term for AMOS 'n ANDY might be stereotypes as depicted by the white writers who dominated teleplays of that era. Because Foxx was African-American & the driving force behind the show, he had a greater acceptance with his work, which was based on the British series Steptoe & Son ( white characters ).

However, perception in an era of dogmatic political correctness, is based typically on the current cultural climate. Which is, as always, arbitrary & lame. The only race we should ever prioritize & value is the human.

Answer 3

Good question! I've long been a fan of the "Amos and Andy" series and have collected cassettes of the early radio broadcasts.

I agree with the first answerer, HipHopGr. She is right on target and it would behoove all of us to let the lighter things of life slide on by and concern ourselves with more important matters than political-correctness.

Answer 4

"Amos" was about making fun of blacks; "Sanford" was laughing with blacks.