Watching Race

Television and the Struggle for "Blackness"

Author: Herman Gray
ISBN: 9780816622504

Examines the cultural politics of television and race.In the late 1980s and early 1990s television representations of African Americans exploded on the small screen. Why has this occurred, and what relation do these shows have to society's idea of "blackness"? How do these shows relate to earlier television series featuring African Americans? Herman Gray's Watching Race -- now available in paperback for the first time -- offers a new look at the changing representations of African Americans on television.Starting with the portrayal of blacks on series such as The Jack Benny Show and Amos 'n' Andy, Gray details the ongoing dialogue between television representations and cultural discourse to show how the meaning of blackness has changed through the years of the TV era. Drawing on analyses of The Cosby Show, Frank's Place, In Living Color, and Roc, as well as music videos, news coverage, and advertising, Watching Race examines how the political stakes, cultural perspectives, and social l

Publisher: U of Minnesota Press
Publish Date: 1995

Subjects: Performing Arts / General, Performing Arts / Television / History & Criticism, Social Science / Ethnic Studies / African American Studies

This book is available in the following Community Centers: Cross-Cultural Center (Location: Black/African American (BLCK))