Overcoming the Stereotypes in Black Television
             Ever since the invention of the television in 1939, African Americans have been portrayed as maids, servants or clowns. These negative perceptions started to appear in sitcoms such as in Amos and Andy, who were the stereotypical blacks that never took anything serious. All those views changed during the 1970's when black sitcoms were becoming more reality based. There were five stereotypical roles of blacks between 1940-1970, they included, the Tom, the Coon, the Mammy, the Tragic Mulatto, and the Buck. The "Tom" was always insulted, but kept to his faith and remained generous and kind. The "Coon", which was the most used stereotype, was always lazy, unreliable and constantly butchered his speech. The "Mammy" was more distinguished than the Coon only because of her sex. She was usually big and plump and full of life. The "Tragic Mulatto" was fair-skinned, trying to pass for white. They were well liked and believed that their lives could have been enhanced if they were not born biracial. The last stereotype was the "Buck". He was the big, oversexed black man. All of these stereotypes were used to falsely describe most African American's in society.
             In the late 1960's, there were shows like "I Spy" and "The Flip Wilson Show", which directed blacks as either the main characters or just the butt of the jokes. Starting in early 70's, shows were premiering everywhere with black casts. One of these shows was "Sanford and Son". The show took place in South Central California, where Fred Sanford and his son Lamont lived and owned a junkyard. Fred was satisfied with his little business. However, Lamont always wanted something bigger and better. Fred would do everything in his power to keep his son from abandoning him and the business. Every time Lamont threatened to leave, Fred would do his f...