Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that Lawrence Otis Graham's 'Our Kind of People' casts a probing eye on real-life Cosby families - the rarefied world of the African-American elite that the Cosby family alluded towards. The writer notes that through this account, Graham hopes to introduce and explain the emergence, the rules and the pride that many upper-class black Americans feel towards their own institutions. The writer points out that this paper looks at Graham's discussion of the black elite, at how the author constructed the parameters of being a member of the black elite. This paper then evaluates the validity of Graham's findings through the lens of conflict and critical race theory.
Outline:
Overview of Our Kind of People
Minority Group Relations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Graham strives to provide context for this chronicle by beginning with a chapter on the historical origins of the black elite. In the next chapters, the author illustrates the values of the members of this black upper crust through discussions regarding children's clubs, cotillions and coming-out parties. These chapters continue with accounts devoted to historically black institutions, such as colleges, fraternities and sororities and private schools."
"The most important chapters deal with membership in the exclusive clubs, a membership that starts in early childhood. It all begins with membership in Jack and Jill, an exclusive club for the children of affluent black parents. This paves the way for an individual to attend the right summer camps, private schools and, most importantly, the right colleges. Historically, this meant institutions such as Morehouse College, Spelman College and Howard University. Today, the "right colleges" refer to the Ivy League, an illustration of the similarities between the black and white elites."
A discussion on some of the the achievements of well known Black Americans, such as Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods and Bill Cosby and the way in which they have become role models for other black Americans.
Abstract The following paper examines how a number of black Americans lived through tumultuous times and faced brutal racism, however despite the hardships they all went through they are success stories. The writer focuses on their history, how some came out of impoverished backgrounds and others from modest income families. This paper briefly looks at the successes and failures of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods , Bill Cosby, Sarah King and Michael Jordan, their inner strength of spirit, and the way in which over the years they have transformed themselves as they worked towards making their dreams a reality.
From the Paper "Of course, there was the memory of Martin Luther King. The flamboyant Jesse Jackson was often on news programs. Oprah Winfrey was the one black person who not only gained entry into millions of living rooms but also was welcomed warmly. For years Black Americans gained recognition for their ability in baseball, basketball, football and tennis. But it was Oprah who changed the viewpoints of millions of Americans who identified with the compassionate woman. She not only became a household name, but a woman whom viewers held in high esteem regardless of their race. Her political agenda transcended party lines. She wanted to make a difference for black people, and to make this world a better place. She is respected for her ethical and moral approach to the issues of today. "Her style reached out and connected with what every woman was thinking because she asked the questions and said the things that they understood." (Mair 78) There weren't a lot of black people on Chicago television in 1985, but Oprah's show A.M. Chicago was a big hit."
Abstract This paper examines the stereotypes and gender ideologies surrounding popular television shows. It speaks specifically of the father role and how its portrayal has changed over time, as well as the family in general. Compares the 1950's show "Leave it to Beaver" to the modern show "The Cosby Show".
From the Paper "In a day where you can sit down and watch any number of shows representing the absent father, the womanizing father, the couch potato father, or any combination of the three, shows "Leave it to Beaver" of the 1950's and "The Cosby Show" of the 1980's and 1990's seem to offer a refreshing alternative. Both shows were popular and influential in their time, centered on the dynamics of a nuclear family. In examining the father role portrayed in an episode of each show, one can see that while our definitions and ideas of a "family" have changed through time, we still have a long way to go before we move away from the male stereotypes that infiltrate our lives through our television sets."
Tags: beaver, cosby, gender, leave, media, show, stereotypes, television
Abstract This paper offers an in-depth review of how the family has been depicted in TV sit-coms and the like over the past 50 years. It examines dozens of shows and discusses how the roles of the husband and wife, and the values within the family has evolved. Also looks at racial issues.
From the Paper "In the fifty years between the first season of I Love Lucy to the first season of The Osbournes, the ethics, mores and socio-economic configuration of the TV-viewing audience has changed greatly. Closely aligned to the revaluated morals of contemporary society have been the representations of family on television. Of particular significance is the way in which the sitcom family is depicted on American TV. Throughout the history of the sitcom, the mother and father and children have adhered to a consistent and perpetuated set of stereotypes informing the way they act. Largely, these representations are dictated by the social class and economic situation of the characters. From their beginnings in a pleasant romp in suburban middle class existence, the members of the sitcom family have become edgier and more prone to throw insults at each other. Conflict has always threatened the family, but with a new age comes transformed values and new forms of danger to the family unit. Issues of sexuality, violence and substance abuse have increasingly played a major role in the lives of TV families over the past three decades. Though the troubles they face may be more serious than the fifties sitcom predicament, and they have changed greatly from the respectable ideals of the fifties sitcom, the family, as will be demonstrated, is perhaps as strong, if not stronger than ever."
Abstract This paper compares television family sitcoms of the past to the family sitcoms of the present and suggests that their changing nature is an indication that television is just reflecting the changes in society and not, as critics argue, that society is a reflection of television shows. It argues that, were television programs truly driving societal behavior, the sitcoms would not have changed so drastically, since the male-dominated television industry would have had an interest in maintaining the more flattering male image of television men from the past.
From the Paper "Leave it to Beaver is the epitome of a white, middle class suburban family with an authoritarian male role model. Ward Cleaver clearly wore the pants in the family as the sole bread earner. Throughout the series, Ward's job is never discussed and he is never shown in the work setting, but the image is that he has a respected professional position that affords the family a very comfortable standard of living. Some theorize that the neglect to mention Ward's work symbolizes the mystification and exclusionary nature of the working male at the time. June, Ward's mate, is a submissive house wife who manages to always look beautiful even while maintaining an immaculate house."
Abstract This paper states that the still very popular television series "Friends" is geared mainly toward a white audience, which is not representative of today's American landscape, and yet very much represents the marginal way diversity is presented in most television series. The author points out that the all-white "Friends" is being replaced by new sitcoms, such as "Scrubs", with more diverse casts although the main characters are still mainly white. The paper relates that even shows such as "George Lopez", based solely on a Hispanic family living in Los Angeles, fail to present cultural diversity.
From the Paper "I feel the media relies too heavily on the stereotypical normalcies when showing certain minority groups on television. Most television, as well as motion pictures, portrays the white guy as the "good guy" and most other races as the "bad guy." If they are not the "bad guys," they are usually portrayed as the goofy sidekicks. Most programs, "Friends" is no exception, only use minorities in roles that will portray them a certain way. These may include the Asian dry cleaner owner, the Arab taxicab driver, the African-American gangster, ..."
Abstract This paper discusses how a person who knows the rules of social etiquette will feel better about himself and will also make those around him feel respected and important. The rules of social etiquette help people learn not to act on their first, natural impulses. When young men fail to do so, sometimes they get in trouble with the law. This paper explore the importance of social etiquette among young males, especially African-American males and offers guidance in business and personal etiquette.
Outline:
Older Rules of Etiquette
Basic Rules of Social Etiquette
Cell Phone Etiquette
Email Etiquette
Introduce People Properly
Business Attire
Table Manners
From the Paper "Bill Cosby, in his famous, controversial "Pound Cake" speech, noted that "we are in a new time, where people are behaving in abnormal ways and calling it normal..." He said that although racism is still present in society, it is not an excuse for young African-American men to stop trying to act in a manner that they should. By remembering their traditions and learning personal responsibility, Cosby said that young African-American men can be proud. Part of this involves learning the rules of social etiquette. Young men, regardless of their race, need to take responsibility for their own actions. Ultimately, they must learn and decide to behave in a way that correlates with polite society."
