Introduction to American Studies 2202:
What's on TV: Race, Class, and Gender in American Television
Consider the images below, taken from Good Times (1974-1979) and The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
- How does the kitchen from Good Times differ from that of the Jeffersons and other kitchens from this semester?
- Interpret the scene of Florida praying. Consider the lines of perspective in this scene.
What is the role of
religion implied in the everyday life of Florida.
- Figures 3 and 4 from The Cosby Show are very different from figures 1 and 2. Consider the
differences and their implications regarding race and social class.
Links on YouTube: Good Times,
"Getting Up the Rent" (1974) |
Part II |
Part III
Pilot episode of Cosby,
Part I (1984);
Part II
Figure 1:
Michael and Thelma Evans in their kitchen, from "Getting Up the Rent" (8 February 1874)
Figure 2:
Florida Evans prays for rent money in Chicago's Cabrini Green housing projects, from "Getting Up the Rent" (8 February 1974)
Figure 3:
The Huxtable's kitchen. From the pilot episode
(20 September 1984)
Figure 4:
The Huxtable's bedroom. From the pilot episode
(20 September 1984)