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Black sitcoms come of age

Article Abstract:

During the late 1960's to the late 1970's, African-Americans were simply caricatures in a predominantly white oriented TV society. The Cosby show changed the situation with humor which was not the usual one-line, put-down variety. Instead, it focused on the personalities of the characters and the situations they found themselves in. "Roc," the current black-oriented sitcom on TV delivers humor which is mature, real, and sensibly modern. Such qualities distinguish today's shows from all other previous TV sitcoms.

Evaluation, African Americans, Portrayals, The Cosby Show (Television program), African Americans in television

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Parallel careers: Goldberg and Poitier

Article Abstract:

Whoopi Goldberg and Sidney Poitier have many things in common. They are Afro-American actors who are often typecasted to play the roles of deviant or exemplary characters. Either way, they portray characters whose very existence is dependent on the predominantly white cast. They are included in the film to enhance the image projected by the white actors. Although both actors make films that turn out to be box-office hits their acting potentials were never fully realized.

Practice, Poitier, Sidney, Goldberg, Whoopi

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Two new places for black males in two new films

Article Abstract:

Two films with black actors playing key roles serve as departures from the typical stereotyped image of Afro-Americans as mere 'bucks, coons and Toms.' In 'Grand Canyon,' Danny Glover portrays a tow truck operator whose philosophical insights strongly influence the rest of the film's characters. In 'Mississippi Masala,' Denzel Washington tackles the role of a commercial rug cleaner who breaks racial barriers by becoming romantically involved with an East Indian girl.

Criticism and interpretation, Washington, Denzel, Grand Canyon (Motion picture), Glover, Danny

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