Was James a male chauvinist

[TMC]

James appeared to think that Florida was only good for cooking, cleaning, and the bedroom. When she wanted to go to school and get a degree, he reminded her that “women only belong in three places”.

And when Florida was given a job over him, he refused to stop whining and trying to make her feel bad until she got fired. He was also also perfectly fine with JJ reading a book about sex but became irate when he learned the book belonged to Thelma.

It seems like James only got a pass because he was a "product of his era", and was the head of a household who was also living in poverty. And that's all before his inevitable tragic death, which automatically put him in a better light than maybe any other character would have enjoyed.

[Wawwie]

James came around in the episode where Florida wanted to go back to school. He was a jerk at first, but he came to realize that he was wrong and even took classes with Florida.

[BestTVever]

James was a man's man and a man of his times. Very strong independent man. Back in the mid-70s it was a completely different world. Women were just breaking in to jobs that were once ruled exclusively by men.
It was a very common 70s theme to have a woman try and venture to have a career while still being a mom. The husband rejects it at first but then accepts it in the end.

[rusty spike]

He was a male oink and that was widely accepted 50 years ago.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by TMC

James appeared to think that Florida was only good for cooking, cleaning, and the bedroom. When she wanted to go to school and get a degree, he reminded her that “women only belong in three places”.

And when Florida was given a job over him, he refused to stop whining and trying to make her feel bad until she got fired. He was also also perfectly fine with JJ reading a book about sex but became irate when he learned the book belonged to Thelma.

It seems like James only got a pass because he was a "product of his era", and was the head of a household who was also living in poverty. And that's all before his inevitable tragic death, which automatically put him in a better light than maybe any other character would have enjoyed.

Well she didnt make the situation any better by coming home telling him how to be a parent based on what was in the school book and coming home with a cake after starting the job