1970’s African American Situation Shows Reinforced Stereotypes

During the 1970’s sitcoms pioneered a way for African Americans to be seen on television, through shows such as Julia, The Bill Cosby Show, Sanford and Son, Good Times, and The Jefferson’s. These shows showed characters and lives that African Americans could relate to these shows, but these shows also reinforced stereotypes that were from the past and would carry on to the future.

The Assimilationist era (1968-1971), Julia and The Bill Cosby Show introduced characters that seem to have abandoned or not recognize their level of being African American. The Lear era (1972-1983) reintroduced comedy situation shows, such as Sanford and Son, Good Times, and The Jefferson’s. These shows showed the world as Black and White, parallel worlds or separate. During this era stereotypes were formed based on sex, language, place of dwelling, and several other features. The 1970’s sitcoms and situation shows reinforced negative stereotypes of African Americans while devaluing African American culture and experiences in America, by promoting Anglo-American beliefs, values and stereotypes.

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