isn't it weird how the pd's attitude on race changed? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

themaninblack · 09-26-2005, 10:20 PM

ever notice how the cop's attitude toward tibbs and other blacks changed as the show progressed?

Psychster · 09-29-2005, 09:33 AM

As far as the interaction with Tibbs and the SPD, I don't think it was ever about his race. They just didn't like a big city boy coming in and certainly not one who was stepping into such a role of authority.

Tibbs could have been white and he'd haven gotten the same treatment, from most of the department, at least. The citizens were a different matter. They did have a problem with his color and you're right, that changed as the show went on. Not just with Tibbs, but with other characters being added. They pretty much took the race card out of the show.

Someone posted elsewhere that O'Connor wanted to get away from the darker feel of the show, such as racism, because he didn't think it represented the "real' south of today.

P.S. Glad someone else is out there and talking.

Eidolon · 11-01-2005, 08:03 AM

The very first show (that I saw) Tibbs was new and headed for the cells when a little cop, I believe his name was Junior, stopped him and addressed him as "Boy"...I thought at the time this was definately going to be a show with alot of race issues...I think Bubba, depicting the Redneck Southern cop, had problems with both a new man from the outside plus the race issue...I could be wrong but I don't think this show would have lasted as long as it did if race was a focal point. Geeeeez, Sparta had enough crime and problems without a race issue too....What I liked also was that the story lines didn't always center around two or three of the main characters but the problems of the other officers also... It sure is sad that the only time one can see HOTN, and that is occasionally, is 4:00 AM on a Sunday morning...A bit early for this old girl !!

Psychster · 11-02-2005, 09:43 AM

Yes, Junior was the racist one of the bunch, from what little I can remember.

As for Bubba, I think they actually did a neat twist with him. Sure, Bubba disliked Virgil, but it was the viewers AND Virgil who jumped to the conclusion that the redneck HAD to be racist. Never once did Bubba make a reference to race that I can remember. No doubt, some things were set up to lead you in that direction. To lead you to make certain assumptions. I consider it COC showing that stereotypes go both ways. Every "redneck type" is not racist. And yes, black people can jump to conclusions too.

kickinit · 11-04-2005, 06:17 AM

Horace Goode.Played by Peter Gabb, is the character who called Virgil "boy".

Psychster · 11-05-2005, 11:20 AM

Not surprised that I'm getting the two mixed up too. Junior had a very small part and I don't even remember this guy. Been too long.

That's why I always stress - from what I remember!

09-26-2005, 10:20 PM	#1
themaninblack Member Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 08, 2005 Posts: 573	isn't it weird how the pd's attitude on race changed? ever notice how the cop's attitude toward tibbs and other blacks changed as the show progressed?

11-04-2005, 06:17 AM	#5
kickinit Member Forum Hawk Join Date: Nov 04, 2005 Posts: 3	Not Junior Horace Goode.Played by Peter Gabb, is the character who called Virgil "boy".

09-29-2005, 09:33 AM	#2
Psychster Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 13, 2005 Posts: 34	As far as the interaction with Tibbs and the SPD, I don't think it was ever about his race. They just didn't like a big city boy coming in and certainly not one who was stepping into such a role of authority. Tibbs could have been white and he'd haven gotten the same treatment, from most of the department, at least. The citizens were a different matter. They did have a problem with his color and you're right, that changed as the show went on. Not just with Tibbs, but with other characters being added. They pretty much took the race card out of the show. Someone posted elsewhere that O'Connor wanted to get away from the darker feel of the show, such as racism, because he didn't think it represented the "real' south of today. P.S. Glad someone else is out there and talking.

11-01-2005, 08:03 AM	#3
Eidolon Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Oct 06, 2005 Posts: 33	The very first show (that I saw) Tibbs was new and headed for the cells when a little cop, I believe his name was Junior, stopped him and addressed him as "Boy"...I thought at the time this was definately going to be a show with alot of race issues...I think Bubba, depicting the Redneck Southern cop, had problems with both a new man from the outside plus the race issue...I could be wrong but I don't think this show would have lasted as long as it did if race was a focal point. Geeeeez, Sparta had enough crime and problems without a race issue too....What I liked also was that the story lines didn't always center around two or three of the main characters but the problems of the other officers also... It sure is sad that the only time one can see HOTN, and that is occasionally, is 4:00 AM on a Sunday morning...A bit early for this old girl !!

11-02-2005, 09:43 AM	#4
Psychster Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 13, 2005 Posts: 34	Yes, Junior was the racist one of the bunch, from what little I can remember. As for Bubba, I think they actually did a neat twist with him. Sure, Bubba disliked Virgil, but it was the viewers AND Virgil who jumped to the conclusion that the redneck HAD to be racist. Never once did Bubba make a reference to race that I can remember. No doubt, some things were set up to lead you in that direction. To lead you to make certain assumptions. I consider it COC showing that stereotypes go both ways. Every "redneck type" is not racist. And yes, black people can jump to conclusions too.

11-05-2005, 11:20 AM	#6
Psychster Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 13, 2005 Posts: 34	Not surprised that I'm getting the two mixed up too. Junior had a very small part and I don't even remember this guy. Been too long. That's why I always stress - from what I remember!