Is J.J for real!!? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Woolworth27 · 01-15-2006, 04:48 PM

J.J. takes African Americans back to the days of Stepin Flected, acting like an idiot and a buffon! I find this charcter demeaning to African Americans! This sterotypes the African American family in a negative way!

JeffRuss1972 · 01-15-2006, 05:18 PM

Those are the complaints raised by John Amos(James) and Esther Rolle(Florida) to the producers behind the scenes. Amos was eventually fired from the series(his character, James Evans was killed in an auto accident). Esther Rolle also left for one year due to her outrage over the J.J. character/
direction of the show.

On the flip side Jimmie Walker(J.J.) says he just wanted to portray a funny character and based a lot of his material on the Ed Norton/Art Carney character of The Honeymooners. I guess it's up for the viewer to decide.

James"Thunder"Early · 01-15-2006, 05:56 PM

I've heard this before and I think this argument is bogus. Apparently you haven't seen Steppin' Fetchit, because you'd know he's about 100 times more outrageous and stereotypical than the JJ character. Look at the JJ character and if you really dissect it, you'll see it's not a character that is a stereotype of blacks, but one that is the typical over the top character that is relative of sitcom. You can turn on the television and find characters like this in almost every show, some more low-key than JJ, but they are there. This argument puts up the ridiculous notion that hysterical, over the top characters can't be played by black people because it makes them buffoons. Steppin Fetchit really was a stereotype and offensive, JJ is a character that is a typical idiot that is black.

I see people nit-pick over black characters all the time, like I've heard Nell from "Gimme A Break" called a variation of Mammy, complaints about Benson being a butler and Webster being adopted by a white family. What people fail to see is that these characters could be played by anyone, but just happen to be black.

Brian Damage · 01-15-2006, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leland McKenzie

I've heard this before and I think this argument is bogus. Apparently you haven't seen Steppin' Fetchit, because you'd know he's about 100 times more outrageous and stereotypical than the JJ character. Look at the JJ character and if you really dissect it, you'll see it's not a character that is a stereotype of blacks, but one that is the typical over the top character that is relative of sitcom. You can turn on the television and find characters like this in almost every show, some more low-key than JJ, but they are there. This argument puts up the ridiculous notion that hysterical, over the top characters can't be played by black people because it makes them buffoons. Steppin Fetchit really was a stereotype and offensive, JJ is a character that is a typical idiot that is black.

I see people nit-pick over black characters all the time, like I've heard Nell from "Gimme A Break" called a variation of Mammy, complaints about Benson being a butler and Webster being adopted by a white family. What people fail to see is that these characters could be played by anyone, but just happen to be black.

agreed

bansogirl · 01-15-2006, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leland McKenzie

I've heard this before and I think this argument is bogus. Apparently you haven't seen Steppin' Fetchit, because you'd know he's about 100 times more outrageous and stereotypical than the JJ character. Look at the JJ character and if you really dissect it, you'll see it's not a character that is a stereotype of blacks, but one that is the typical over the top character that is relative of sitcom. You can turn on the television and find characters like this in almost every show, some more low-key than JJ, but they are there. This argument puts up the ridiculous notion that hysterical, over the top characters can't be played by black people because it makes them buffoons. Steppin Fetchit really was a stereotype and offensive, JJ is a character that is a typical idiot that is black.

I see people nit-pick over black characters all the time, like I've heard Nell from "Gimme A Break" called a variation of Mammy, complaints about Benson being a butler and Webster being adopted by a white family. What people fail to see is that these characters could be played by anyone, but just happen to be black.

RIGHT ON MAN!

I'm with you ALL the way!

JeffRuss1972 · 01-15-2006, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leland McKenzie

I've heard this before and I think this argument is bogus. Apparently you haven't seen Steppin' Fetchit, because you'd know he's about 100 times more outrageous and stereotypical than the JJ character. Look at the JJ character and if you really dissect it, you'll see it's not a character that is a stereotype of blacks, but one that is the typical over the top character that is relative of sitcom. You can turn on the television and find characters like this in almost every show, some more low-key than JJ, but they are there. This argument puts up the ridiculous notion that hysterical, over the top characters can't be played by black people because it makes them buffoons. Steppin Fetchit really was a stereotype and offensive, JJ is a character that is a typical idiot that is black.

I see people nit-pick over black characters all the time, like I've heard Nell from "Gimme A Break" called a variation of Mammy, complaints about Benson being a butler and Webster being adopted by a white family. What people fail to see is that these characters could be played by anyone, but just happen to be black.

VERY good point.

Woolworth27 · 01-15-2006, 07:09 PM

Annn Annnn wrong answer!!!!! I have read different books and documetary and seen movies with Stepin Flected and Willie Best. I sick to my point, it's degrading as Amos n Andy was.You just feel that way because obvious your a big fan of that show. I didn't find webster , gimme a break or benson offensive at all.

James"Thunder"Early · 01-15-2006, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woolworth27

Annn Annnn wrong answer!!!!! I have read different books and documetary and seen movies with Stepin Flected and Willie Best. I sick to my point, it's degrading as Amos n Andy was.You just feel that way because obvious your a big fan of that show. I didn't find webster , gimme a break or benson offensive at all.

No, it's not because I'm a fan of the show, I just don't see the character as degrading, just as an idiot like on any other show. Amos and Andy was an attempt to stereotype, Good Times wasn't.

Ireneparalegal · 01-15-2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woolworth27

Annn Annnn wrong answer!!!!! I have read different books and documetary and seen movies with Stepin Flected and Willie Best. I sick to my point, it's degrading as Amos n Andy was.You just feel that way because obvious your a big fan of that show. I didn't find webster , gimme a break or benson offensive at all.

you are entitled to your opinion, however, if your intention was only to come here and start something, then, it's best to leave it alone. There are alot of characters on t.v. that alot of us can't stand, but we don't go on those threads just to say something negative abt them. The kind of argument you are making is best said on the tvland forum.

Woolworth27 · 01-15-2006, 08:00 PM

I have the right to my own opioin. I like to go on the chat rooms and debat about diffrent topics manliy sitcoms to see how other peoples views are. Don't take it personal, if you don't like it than you don't have to respond!

Ireneparalegal · 01-15-2006, 08:09 PM

I am not making an issue out of it, but it is against the rules i believe to go on a thread just to bash a show/character simply because you don't like it.

Brieannas21 · 01-15-2006, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

I am not making an issue out of it, but it is against the rules i believe to go on a thread just to bash a show/character simply because you don't like it.

There are a lot of people who go on different boards to bash certain character, I don't see how that's against the rules. If it were then a lot of people would have been banned by now.

But I do agree with you that people are entitled to there own opinions, and like you I'll stay out of this debate LOL

TVFactFan · 01-16-2006, 11:25 AM

I know a lot of Black Groups had problems with the J.J and George Jefferson character. But I don't know why it was an issue because it wasn't like all the males on Good times were CRAZY like J.J. Now I can see if Michael had on a hat and walked around like a ******, and James walked around like a idiot with a hat on his head then I would say the show was making blacks look bad but since it was just IDIOT, it didn't bother me.

TVFactFan · 01-16-2006, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woolworth27

I have the right to my own opioin. I like to go on the chat rooms and debat about diffrent topics manliy sitcoms to see how other peoples views are. Don't take it personal, if you don't like it than you don't have to respond!

I don't mind the topic of your Thread as long as you are willing to discuss the show too.

TVFactFan · 01-16-2006, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

you are entitled to your opinion, however, if your intention was only to come here and start something, then, it's best to leave it alone. There are alot of characters on t.v. that alot of us can't stand, but we don't go on those threads just to say something negative abt them. The kind of argument you are making is best said on the tvland forum.

I see you will always remember your TV LAND message Board experience-lol I think I will make a stop over there again today and see what's going on

01-15-2006, 04:48 PM	#1
Woolworth27 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 14, 2006 Posts: 315	Is J.J for real!!? J.J. takes African Americans back to the days of Stepin Flected, acting like an idiot and a buffon! I find this charcter demeaning to African Americans! This sterotypes the African American family in a negative way!

01-15-2006, 05:18 PM	#2
JeffRuss1972 70s Sitcoms Rule!!! Eternal Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 11, 2005 Location: Villa Rica, GA Posts: 1,257	Those are the complaints raised by John Amos(James) and Esther Rolle(Florida) to the producers behind the scenes. Amos was eventually fired from the series(his character, James Evans was killed in an auto accident). Esther Rolle also left for one year due to her outrage over the J.J. character/ direction of the show. On the flip side Jimmie Walker(J.J.) says he just wanted to portray a funny character and based a lot of his material on the Ed Norton/Art Carney character of The Honeymooners. I guess it's up for the viewer to decide.
	__________________ Previously JalanRuss for a SHORT time, but got my OLD Username Back! Hello Again

01-15-2006, 05:56 PM	#3
James"Thunder"Early Whoever's In New England Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: The Apollo Posts: 7,088	I've heard this before and I think this argument is bogus. Apparently you haven't seen Steppin' Fetchit, because you'd know he's about 100 times more outrageous and stereotypical than the JJ character. Look at the JJ character and if you really dissect it, you'll see it's not a character that is a stereotype of blacks, but one that is the typical over the top character that is relative of sitcom. You can turn on the television and find characters like this in almost every show, some more low-key than JJ, but they are there. This argument puts up the ridiculous notion that hysterical, over the top characters can't be played by black people because it makes them buffoons. Steppin Fetchit really was a stereotype and offensive, JJ is a character that is a typical idiot that is black. I see people nit-pick over black characters all the time, like I've heard Nell from "Gimme A Break" called a variation of Mammy, complaints about Benson being a butler and Webster being adopted by a white family. What people fail to see is that these characters could be played by anyone, but just happen to be black.
	__________________ Esther Anderson: Get thee behind me, Satan, but I'm gon' get behind you, 'cause I'm gonna put my foot in your--- Peggy Mitchell: Get outta my pub! You better pray you get the last laugh, it's a kick in the teeth when you don't get it.

01-15-2006, 07:09 PM	#7
Woolworth27 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 14, 2006 Posts: 315	Annn Annnn wrong answer!!!!! I have read different books and documetary and seen movies with Stepin Flected and Willie Best. I sick to my point, it's degrading as Amos n Andy was.You just feel that way because obvious your a big fan of that show. I didn't find webster , gimme a break or benson offensive at all.

01-15-2006, 08:00 PM	#10
Woolworth27 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 14, 2006 Posts: 315	I have the right to my own opioin. I like to go on the chat rooms and debat about diffrent topics manliy sitcoms to see how other peoples views are. Don't take it personal, if you don't like it than you don't have to respond!

01-15-2006, 08:09 PM	#11
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	I am not making an issue out of it, but it is against the rules i believe to go on a thread just to bash a show/character simply because you don't like it.

01-16-2006, 11:25 AM	#13
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,137	I know a lot of Black Groups had problems with the J.J and George Jefferson character. But I don't know why it was an issue because it wasn't like all the males on Good times were CRAZY like J.J. Now I can see if Michael had on a hat and walked around like a ******, and James walked around like a idiot with a hat on his head then I would say the show was making blacks look bad but since it was just IDIOT, it didn't bother me.