Thursday, September 8, 2011

Pros And Cons Of Amos And Andy DVD

By Tracie Butler


While not all understand the concept behind Amos and Andy, originally known but never aired as Sam and Henry, the show still became quite popular, first with radio listeners and later with television viewers. However, due to the controversy of two white men playing the role two blacks on radio seemed to be far more accepted than when portrayed on television. Although, while bits and pieces of the show have been included in internet archives, folks can now purchase the full Amos and Andy DVD Box Set, if so desired.

Still, this does not make a lot of the skits in the programming any less racist. However, when individuals look back on history, it is easy to see that it is hard to know what may or may not have been considered entertainment versus racism. Although, when the program moved from radio to television, people took more offense to the use of black face make-up than with the two white men playing two black men on radio.

In fact, up until the time the show moved from radio to television, controversy was rather limited. However, after the two original hosts decided that using black face make-up rather than hiring black actors, such controversy spread. After which, there has remained a sense of racial discrimination with both the show and its hosts over the years.

However, individuals can not argue that changing the voices would also change the characters and programming so many had grown to love over the years. For, the show originally aired on radio in the 1920s to 1940s, then moved to a weekly radio program, then on to television. As such, the show already had a lot of fans and followers by the time it moved to television.

As such, there are still those who love the show and those who find it discriminatory. Of course, when introducing this show to a family, especially one with young children, it may be important to provide a bit of history about both the show as well as the African American community. In addition, it is also important to elaborate on why some individuals find the show rather racist why others do not.

To this end, the show can then also become a learning tool in the fight against racism. For, only we have examples of past issues can we make futures better. As such, each individuals must decide whether or not it is appropriate to purchase the Amos and Andy DVD box set whether now or in the future. Read more about: amos and andy dvd




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