Amos and Andy Reflection

Although this cartoon is comical, underpinning racism towards African Americans is prevalent throughout this short clip.  A few things I noticed about the characters:  all of the characters throughout the entire cartoon are black and there are also no women.  This perhaps reflects segregationist views of the time (e.g. separate but equal, Jim Crow Laws, etc.) and enforces male hegemonic gender roles with the absence of women.  The characters speak very poorly, have exaggerated lips, and appear uneducated, which reflects racial stereotypes of this time period.  Another point to note is that the two creators of Amos and Andy were two white men, who each took on the roles of the various characters in the show.  This is very similar to minstrel shows in which white men dressed up and played African Americans.  The music is very similar to minstrel music as well (upbeat, jazzy tunes).

Another thing I noted is that there are many allusions to animals and how the characters are treated and/or act like animals.  At the wrestling match they tell Andy that they have the horseshoe of flowers that they intend to put around his neck.  Andy responds with a comment inferring that he feels like he is going to be crowned like a horse at the racetrack.  Andy's wrestling opponent is portrayed with animalistic qualities: he seems to snort like a pig and he appears to change into a moose (in Andy's imagination).   

The radio station that the show originally aired on was in Chicago.  I am curious if such a show would have been popular if it had originated in the south--- would the show appear more racist to reflect southern viewpoints? or --- would there have been more rebellion from African Amercians?  Also, since the show was type casted as a situation comedy, did that make all of the racial slurs more appropriate? (e.g.  the show was a comedy and therefore the racism in the show was supposed to be silly and harmless rather than hurtful and racist)  If the show had not been a comedy would it have seen more backlash from the general public, particularly African Americans.  Just some thoughts to think about!