Back in the late 1920s, two white guys had a huge hit with the radio version of "Amos 'n Andy". The idea of two white guys doing this is very racist when you think about it, but back in the day folks (black and white) accepted this and the show was one of the most popular of the time. The duo even made a movie ("Check and Double Check")--in black face! It was simply dreadful--unfunny and a bit nasty.
By the 1950s, there was a dilemma. While the radio show was popular, folks were clamoring for a TV version and the network decided to relaunch the show with an all-black cast. And, for two years, the show was very popular and was occasionally seen in syndication into the 1960s. However, by this time, people were not comfortable with the show. After all, two of the main character (Andy and the Kingfish) were amazingly stupid and shiftless--and when the show was on TV, this was one of the only depictions of blacks in America! Now had the show been on when other, more realistic, depictions of blacks been on TV, I doubt that people would have felt so upset--but the only other show with a black main character at the time was "Beulah"--a black maid! Because of this and changing sensitivities in the country, the show was essentially shelved--only to be seen, rarely, on video in the 1980s. It is also available on DVD--but you won't find it on Netflix or Hulu.
It's really a shame, as although I would definitely agree that the show has offensive aspects, it seems extreme to simply bury the show and pretend it didn't exist. First, you lose a part of your history when you do this. Second, although in some ways stereotypical, the show had a couple things going for it--it WAS very funny (in a "Car 54" sort of way) and not all blacks on the show were idiots or crooks--and the supporting players were almost all decent and industrious folks. I would LOVE to see the show distributed more widely--with some sort of a prologue explaining the context for the show and how times and attitudes have changed. It's a shame that Tim Moore and Spencer Williams (the Kingfish and Andy) have been lost in the process--as both had a great knack for comedy and their contributions should not be ignored.
For more on the mixed feelings about this show, try watching the George Kirby documentary "Amos 'n Andy: Portrait of a Controversy".
By the 1950s, there was a dilemma. While the radio show was popular, folks were clamoring for a TV version and the network decided to relaunch the show with an all-black cast. And, for two years, the show was very popular and was occasionally seen in syndication into the 1960s. However, by this time, people were not comfortable with the show. After all, two of the main character (Andy and the Kingfish) were amazingly stupid and shiftless--and when the show was on TV, this was one of the only depictions of blacks in America! Now had the show been on when other, more realistic, depictions of blacks been on TV, I doubt that people would have felt so upset--but the only other show with a black main character at the time was "Beulah"--a black maid! Because of this and changing sensitivities in the country, the show was essentially shelved--only to be seen, rarely, on video in the 1980s. It is also available on DVD--but you won't find it on Netflix or Hulu.
It's really a shame, as although I would definitely agree that the show has offensive aspects, it seems extreme to simply bury the show and pretend it didn't exist. First, you lose a part of your history when you do this. Second, although in some ways stereotypical, the show had a couple things going for it--it WAS very funny (in a "Car 54" sort of way) and not all blacks on the show were idiots or crooks--and the supporting players were almost all decent and industrious folks. I would LOVE to see the show distributed more widely--with some sort of a prologue explaining the context for the show and how times and attitudes have changed. It's a shame that Tim Moore and Spencer Williams (the Kingfish and Andy) have been lost in the process--as both had a great knack for comedy and their contributions should not be ignored.
For more on the mixed feelings about this show, try watching the George Kirby documentary "Amos 'n Andy: Portrait of a Controversy".