Reportedly visiting Lear and discussing the representation of Black Americans in fictional media, The Jeffersons encapsulated the idea of “moving on up” or social mobility among Black Americans. The Jeffersons focused on the titular family, an affluent couple that enjoyed their Manhattan home, their vast social circle, and all the hijinks that occur as a result of George’s successful dry cleaners company.Īlongside his wife Louise, his son Lionel, and the family maid Florence, the comical quartet was conceived as a response to concerns made by The Black Panther Party.

In another spin-off of All In The Family, Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, and Marla Gibbs poured their effort and talent into what would be one of the longest television series starring Black Americans. From a dull archetype to a fully-fleshed character, Maude not only promoted progressive values but also proved to audiences and studios alike that there is variety among the American population that deviates from the conservative family man and the housewife or the centrist, passive protagonist. Granting Arthur her series, Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin provide credible backstories and necessary motivations behind Maude’s staunch defense of civil rights and women’s liberation. Related: NBC: A Study of the Studio’s Progressive TV Shows In the September 1972 issue of TV Guide, Maude was described as a “caricature of the knee-jerk liberal”, with the series unintentionally displaying harmful stereotypes on television despite the showrunner’s political leanings. Even before Maude’s debut on television, her appearances on All In The Family were questioned by audiences and critics alike. While discourse that attempts to paint feminists and social justice activists as divisive and irritating may seem recent due to the co-opting of terms such as “woke”, this particular characterization has been a device used by conservatives and uncomfortable centrists since issues of equality were raised. During her tenure on the series, Maude Findlay (Bea Arthur) has been recognized by audiences for her liberal beliefs, which at the time, were considered progressive for American audiences. Conceived as a spin-off of All In The Family, Maude finds the cherished character starring in her comical sitcom.

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