Norman Lear’s career is not ‘problematic
Norman Milton Lear: A Pioneer in Television
Norman Milton Lear gained fame in the 1970s for his extraordinary talent in writing and producing TV shows that captivated American audiences. From “The Jeffersons” to “Maude,” “Good Times,” and “Sanford and Son,” Lear’s creations became iconic. His first breakthrough, “All in the Family,” premiered in 1971 and dominated the ratings until 1976, remaining on the air until 1979.
Lear, who later ventured into sitcoms featuring black families, sadly passed away on December 5. However, in today’s age of triviality, obituaries celebrating his legacy feel compelled to find faults with certain aspects of his work. Some critics have described his legacy as “problematic, groundbreaking, and memorable,” while others have called it “complicated.” There are even those who point out that he “erased” his “Good Times” co-creator.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
But let’s not be meatheads. Of course, Lear’s legacy is problematic and complex! While he was always a liberal and a respected one at that, a flaw of modern liberals is their constant evaluation of the past through a contemporary lens. And when viewed through such a lens, the past always falls short, at least for those with too much free time and unwavering grievances.
However, Lear himself would not be surprised by any of this. When “All in the Family” took off, he was shocked by the audience’s reception to the show’s patriarch, Archie Bunker. Archie was the complete opposite of everything Lear stood for. He was a curmudgeon, a racist, a misogynist, and worst of all, a conservative. Lear couldn’t understand how anyone could like such a despicable character.
But something unexpected happened. The audience didn’t hate Archie. They loved him. The supposed voice of reason on the show, Archie’s son-in-law Michael Stivic, was seen as a goof rather than an enlightened individual. Archie’s comedic foil.
A similar dynamic was present in “Sanford and Son,” even though Fred G. Sanford, portrayed by comedian Redd Foxx, was not written in the same spirit as Archie Bunker. When the show premiered in 1972, there were no sitcoms about black people. Lear’s intention was not to incite racism but to promote unity by showing that people of different races are not so different after all.
A Childhood Favorite
“Sanford and Son” was actually my favorite show when I was a young boy. Growing up in a neighborhood with many black families, I never realized that prior to its release, black families were not depicted in sitcoms. It wasn’t because I was born to celebrate diversity and inclusion, especially as a problematic white man. I simply loved how hilarious and feisty widower Fred Sanford was, especially in his interactions with his son Lamont and his sister-in-law Esther. I particularly enjoyed Fred’s signature bit, where he would clutch his chest and exclaim, “This is the big one, Elizabeth! I’m coming to join you, honey!”
“Sanford and Son” became the second most-watched show in America, right behind “All in the Family.” Lear’s other sitcoms featuring black families also achieved success, even though they are now subjected to ridiculous scrutiny through a modern lens.
For instance, George Jefferson from ”The Jeffersons” may have moved on up to the East Side, but he remained ”rude, loud, obnoxious, and racist.” The fact that Archie Bunker also possessed these traits apparently has nothing to do with his race. These critics fail to consider the possibility that Lear simply had an affinity for shows with rude, loud, and obnoxious characters.
A Lesson from Lear
Instead of focusing on the flaws, perhaps we should recognize that without pioneers like Lear, society may never have progressed to where it is today. Those of us who grew up during that time, particularly Gen Xers, remember an era when people were mostly accepting of one another, and the concept of intersectionality had not yet dominated conversations. We got to experience the world that Lear was striving for, even if his contemporaries didn’t know when to stop pushing.
However, things have changed today, thanks to the rise of nonsensical ideologies that prioritize race above all else. The percentage of people who believe that relations between white and black individuals are good is declining, and it’s hard to ignore the obsessive focus on skin color as a contributing factor. Yet, we must remember that Lear’s television work aimed to improve America, to make the promise of “All men are created equal” a little truer, even if it meant he had a more prominent role. His intention was to uplift people, not belittle them. So, to those who insist on adding silly qualifiers like “complicated” and “problematic” to discussions about Lear’s work, the best response is to echo Fred G. Sanford’s words to Esther and her church lady friends when they annoyed him: ”Shut up. You sound like a bunch of clucking ducks.”
In what ways did Norman Milton Lear’s work pave the way for future television creators and influence the television landscape today
May not have achieved the same level of success, but they still made a significant impact on television and American culture. “The Jeffersons” explored issues of race and class in the context of an affluent African American family, while “Maude” tackled women’s rights and feminism. “Good Times” depicted the struggles of a working-class African American family living in the projects. These shows were groundbreaking in their portrayal of diverse characters and their willingness to address social issues at a time when television was predominantly focused on escapist entertainment.
It’s important to remember that Norman Milton Lear was not perfect. He faced criticism for his portrayal of characters and their storylines. Some argue that his shows reinforced stereotypes or failed to fully address the complexities of the issues they tackled. However, it is also crucial to recognize that Lear was working within the limitations and expectations of his time. He pushed boundaries and made progress in the representation of marginalized communities on television.
Moreover, Lear’s impact extended beyond his work in television. He used his platform to advocate for progressive causes, including civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War. He was a vocal supporter of Democratic politicians and fiercely defended the freedom of expression and the right to protest. Lear understood the power of media to shape public opinion and utilized it to promote social change.
Despite the criticisms and complexities surrounding Lear’s work, his legacy remains significant. He paved the way for future television creators, pushing the boundaries of what could be shown and discussed on screen. He challenged viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and opened up conversations on important issues that were often ignored or marginalized. His influence can still be felt in the television landscape today, as creators continue to tackle social issues and strive for diverse representation.
In conclusion, Norman Milton Lear was a pioneer in television, whose impact on the medium and American culture cannot be overstated. While his work may be viewed through a contemporary lens and criticized for its imperfections, it is essential to appreciate the groundbreaking nature of his shows and the progress they represented. Lear’s legacy is one of pushing boundaries, challenging societal norms, and using his platform to advocate for social change. He will forever be remembered as a trailblazer who shaped the landscape of television and left an indelible mark on American society.
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