African Americans role of Television Essay -- essays papers

African the Statesns power of Television The roles African Americans play on television are non satisfactory. Though the roles have changed during the development of television, the occurrent relationship is not lesson of true African American pile or their lifestyles. The question is how do the past roles African Americans play in television sitcoms compare to the current roles? How does this affect societys perception of the African American in American culture? Throughout the history of television the roles and the representation of African Americans has developed with the changing ethnic conditions. However, the representation of African Americans has not fully simulated into todays society. What the average citizen views on his or her television does not accurately introduce the African Americans influence on America. The early days of television held long optimism and hope for this new form of media as an avenue for African Americans to pull in into white Ameri can culture. However, a pattern became evident, a pattern of typeface casting African Americans in roles which did not accurately and wholly portray the individual. A misrepresentation of African Americans became the common image on television. assortment targets initially promoted the new media as an opportunity for equal representation and communication between the races. However, a trend developed with African Americans often creation portrayed as custodians, maids, servants, clowns, or buffoons (Crenshaw). The negative image, which was developed by these stereotypes, was perpetuated in the Amos and Andy Show. This television show began as a radio show featuring ii white men portraying deuce comedic black men. When the show was transferred to television, two African American men were cast in the roles, playing as buffoons. The popularity of the show was overwhelming. This was the initial image of African Americans in television, which reached mainstreams ovalbumin America and was the foundation for which future stereotypes were created. A new image of African American families was presented in the eightys with the Cosby Show. The Huxtables were a successful African American family with a life similar to the accepted and established Caucasian mainstream. This show was not accepted fully because it failed to represent the full cultural scope of African Americans. The current... ...After giving the presentation there were many contrastive views coming from the audience which were not expected. The audience did not hold the kindred views presented to them. The point addressed was about how Will Smith was the buffoon on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. They did not feel Will Smith was playacting buffoonish, they thought he just brought comedy to the show. The audience seemed to focus on black people acting white rather than black people acting ignorant. They brought up the character Carlton, and how he acted white. When asked the question how they knew he was acting white they said he went to an all white school and was influenced by the way they acted. The audience also said Will criticized Carlton for acting white. They forgive Wills buffoonish actions by saying white people were also do fun of through Carltons character. This brings up the question how do we know what is characterized as acting black or acting white, and what makes a show a black show or a white show. over again these questions revert back to the fact television shows have embedded stereotypes in our society. This makes people believe there must be a normal black person and white person.