Amos N Andy originated on WMAQ in Chicago on 19 March 1928 as a radio show, and eventually became the longest-running radio program in broadcast history. From June 1951-June 1953, Amos N Andy had 78 Episodes on CBS the show was widely syndicated thereafter until 1966. The plot of the show centered on Amos N Andy schemes to get rich. Amos N Andy was actors Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, two white men that called themselves mimicking so-called” Negro” behavior, the portrayal of black life and culture .The show was canceled in the midst of growing protest with the efforts of Jess Jackson and the black community in 1953.
What is our Amos N Andy today?
Is it Jennifer Hudson’s charter in Sex N The City?
Algonquin J. Calhoun: [Kingfish is trying to get Calhoun to help him dupe Andy] What? Do you think I is low down enough to deceive Brother Andy?
[begins hitting fist on desk]
Algonquin J. Calhoun: Do you think I is crooked enough! Do you think I is spineless enough!
[Kingfish puts $20 on the desk]
Algonquin J. Calhoun: Uh, well, just call me Jellyfish
[pockets the $20]
Link To Show
http://www.veoh.com/collection/nostalgiam-tvshows/watch/v171349986DFcbaxm
In a way, black characters still buy into the amos and andy type thinking when they take roles. They take roles that demean and demoralize us as a race, yet it's ok, because they are getting paid. Is their thinking not Amos and Andy. Just think about the hip-hop industry today, if they cared more about the imagery their music portrayed and the lives they affected, they would make less money, because the it is evident that those who sell out make the most money! Sad but so true, so the music industry and some black characters are the Amos and Andy of our generation.
ReplyDeleteI Never looked @ it that was Vicki but you are so right. Not only in the hip-hop industry but also actors. It's crazy how are people can lay down their pride for a buck.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your statement about Jennifer Hudson in the context of are we just thowing our talented black actors n actresses in the mix for the sake of having some type of diversity? I definitely think this is the reason or same issue here with Amos and Andy
ReplyDeleteAmos n Andy reminds me of the images I see today in the media of black men, especially with the get rich quick schemes. For instance, Hustle n Flow portrays an artist attempting to get rich and get out the ghetto. I despise portrayals such as these because black man contribute more to society than a get rich quick scheme! They are the entrepeneurs of some of the most successful businesses (SELF MADE might i add. To limit them to only having the capablilities of "trying" to get rich when they've been wealthy for quite some time is quite stereotypical!
ReplyDeleteThe image of black men always trying to hustle or use a get rich quick scheme has been a misconception by hollywood for at least fifty years. It gets reinforced so often in entertainment, that you wonder it that all they really think black men are capable of
ReplyDelete