By Tracie Butler


Well, as they say, controversy sells. However, in this case, individuals may want to be aware of the subject matter of the Amos and Andy DVD as well as the history. For, it has since become one of the most controversial radio and television shows of all time.

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.

For example, the show ran as a nightly radio serial from the 1920s to the late 1940s, then as a weekly show from the 1940s to 1950s during World War II. After which, it first became a nightly program from the mid-50s up until around 1960 when it then aired on television for the first time up until 1953 followed by a few years of syndication.

As such, there are those who still hold on to the idea that the show was not racist, just that these two men were quite talented at portraying others. Whereas, others still find the show extremely controversial. However, when comparing this show to some current movies today, such as Bamboozled, written by Spike Lee, then one must question whether the original concept was not also art which made the show better rather than racist as often perceived.

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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