Signs of Black Life
A contemporary popular cultural text that works against the early 20th century African American stereotypes is the animated series “The Boondocks” created by Aaron McGruder. The show is based on the Freeman family making the transition from the urban area of Southside Chicago to the suburbs in Maryland. The Boondocks is a satirical black comedy show that addresses the social, political, and racial issues in today’s society. The show focuses on the encounters that the Freemans and other characters face in the issues of today’s society.
The important elements of the show are the conflict between the main characters (protagonists) and their daily encounters with different characters (antagonists). These conflicts show …show more content…
Robert does not have a job and is constantly in debt. He usually tries to get money by doing get rich schemes. In the episode “Early Bird Special” It is revealed that Robert is in debt and Huey suggests that he tries to find a number of jobs. He finds the idea stupid, but goes on and tries anyway. When all of his attempts fail, he lure into prostitution by two older women. Although it is very clear that Robert isn’t hard-working, he was a part of the civil rights movement. In the episode “Return of the King” it is revealed that Robert was a civil rights activist alongside Rosa Parks. Robert’s character is against the uncle stereotype. The uncle is the male version of the mammy. An important part of slavery, the uncle is an older man dressed in raggedy clothing and is faithful to his work. The uncle is portrayed as always happy to serve his master. The character of Robert Freeman shows a different light of caregiver. He may not be as hard-working as the uncle, but he fought for what he …show more content…
He is a ten year old boy who is very intelligent and is considered to be “wise beyond his years”. His views are often incompatible with children his age and with his family. The character of Huey Freeman goes against the stereotype of the Pickaninny. The pickaninny is a child that always winds up in life threatening situations mostly every encounter is with a dangerous animal. The pickaninny also has animal-like appearance their hair is never done majority of times appears naked and dirty. Although Huey’s views do get him into trouble from time to time, he is always able to get out trouble and from harm’s way. In the episode “The trail of R. Kelly”, Huey and a few notable African American activists that believe R. Kelly is guilty, end up in a huge fight with the R. Kelly supporters. The jury has reached their verdict and R. Kelly is a free man. During the court celebration, Huey stops the music and addresses the courthouse saying “act like you got some got damn sense!” Huey’s “voice of reason” approach and opposing views often do get him into trouble, but he always gets out of
A contemporary popular cultural text that works against the early 20th century African American stereotypes is the animated series “The Boondocks” created by Aaron McGruder. The show is based on the Freeman family making the transition from the urban area of Southside Chicago to the suburbs in Maryland. The Boondocks is a satirical black comedy show that addresses the social, political, and racial issues in today’s society. The show focuses on the encounters that the Freemans and other characters face in the issues of today’s society.
The important elements of the show are the conflict between the main characters (protagonists) and their daily encounters with different characters (antagonists). These conflicts show …show more content…
Robert does not have a job and is constantly in debt. He usually tries to get money by doing get rich schemes. In the episode “Early Bird Special” It is revealed that Robert is in debt and Huey suggests that he tries to find a number of jobs. He finds the idea stupid, but goes on and tries anyway. When all of his attempts fail, he lure into prostitution by two older women. Although it is very clear that Robert isn’t hard-working, he was a part of the civil rights movement. In the episode “Return of the King” it is revealed that Robert was a civil rights activist alongside Rosa Parks. Robert’s character is against the uncle stereotype. The uncle is the male version of the mammy. An important part of slavery, the uncle is an older man dressed in raggedy clothing and is faithful to his work. The uncle is portrayed as always happy to serve his master. The character of Robert Freeman shows a different light of caregiver. He may not be as hard-working as the uncle, but he fought for what he …show more content…
He is a ten year old boy who is very intelligent and is considered to be “wise beyond his years”. His views are often incompatible with children his age and with his family. The character of Huey Freeman goes against the stereotype of the Pickaninny. The pickaninny is a child that always winds up in life threatening situations mostly every encounter is with a dangerous animal. The pickaninny also has animal-like appearance their hair is never done majority of times appears naked and dirty. Although Huey’s views do get him into trouble from time to time, he is always able to get out trouble and from harm’s way. In the episode “The trail of R. Kelly”, Huey and a few notable African American activists that believe R. Kelly is guilty, end up in a huge fight with the R. Kelly supporters. The jury has reached their verdict and R. Kelly is a free man. During the court celebration, Huey stops the music and addresses the courthouse saying “act like you got some got damn sense!” Huey’s “voice of reason” approach and opposing views often do get him into trouble, but he always gets out of