Although there appears to be a sharp division between those who find Amos and Andy funny and those who consider it racist, a new Amos and Andy DVD is now on sale. For, while this particular series first aired as a radio program with two white men playing two black men, it later moved to television. Of course, when considering the time frame in which the show first aired, it is clearly evident that it was long before the Civil Rights Movement.
Although, in the 1920s when the show first aired, it is doubtful that was ever any real evil intent toward black people. However, the fact that two white men played the voices of two black men who were less than intelligent, it later became associated with racism. Of course, as the Civil Rights Movement did not take place until the mid-1960s, it is hard to know if those listening or watching had any idea that the program may be considered racist at a later date.
Of course, as Amos and Andy began as one of the first radio shows of its kind, it still has historic references that other similar shows do not. In fact, written and voiced by these two white men and aired out of Chicago, it became one of the most aired radio broadcasts of all time. However, the show went through several changes between inception and conclusion.
For, as the show originally aired on radio from the 1920s to 1940s, followed by a brief weekly appearance in the 40s, it later become televised in the 50s. Of course, it was not nearly as easy for the hosts to portray black men on television as on radio so black face make up had to be used. Although, had the shows inventors been more thoughtful, this could have been the first television to show to air actual black talent.
As such, there are those who still hold on to the idea that the show was not racist, just that these two men were quite talented at portraying others. Whereas, others still find the show extremely controversial. However, when comparing this show to some current movies today, such as Bamboozled, written by Spike Lee, then one must question whether the original concept was not also art which made the show better rather than racist as often perceived.
To this end, viewers must decide for oneself whether watching an Amos and Andy DVD, or allowing children to watch such programming is appropriate. However, while the radio show was not as controversial, it is important to realize that many individuals and most of society does see using black face in movies and television as somewhat racist. For, why not just acquire a black man or woman to play such roles rather than having whites play roles which only aim to make blacks look less than intelligent. Read more about: amos and andy dvd
Although, in the 1920s when the show first aired, it is doubtful that was ever any real evil intent toward black people. However, the fact that two white men played the voices of two black men who were less than intelligent, it later became associated with racism. Of course, as the Civil Rights Movement did not take place until the mid-1960s, it is hard to know if those listening or watching had any idea that the program may be considered racist at a later date.
Of course, as Amos and Andy began as one of the first radio shows of its kind, it still has historic references that other similar shows do not. In fact, written and voiced by these two white men and aired out of Chicago, it became one of the most aired radio broadcasts of all time. However, the show went through several changes between inception and conclusion.
For, as the show originally aired on radio from the 1920s to 1940s, followed by a brief weekly appearance in the 40s, it later become televised in the 50s. Of course, it was not nearly as easy for the hosts to portray black men on television as on radio so black face make up had to be used. Although, had the shows inventors been more thoughtful, this could have been the first television to show to air actual black talent.
As such, there are those who still hold on to the idea that the show was not racist, just that these two men were quite talented at portraying others. Whereas, others still find the show extremely controversial. However, when comparing this show to some current movies today, such as Bamboozled, written by Spike Lee, then one must question whether the original concept was not also art which made the show better rather than racist as often perceived.
To this end, viewers must decide for oneself whether watching an Amos and Andy DVD, or allowing children to watch such programming is appropriate. However, while the radio show was not as controversial, it is important to realize that many individuals and most of society does see using black face in movies and television as somewhat racist. For, why not just acquire a black man or woman to play such roles rather than having whites play roles which only aim to make blacks look less than intelligent. Read more about: amos and andy dvd
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