Politically Incorrect, but why ?

I always loved this show as a kid, the show along with Phil Silvers' " Bilko" and Gleason's " Honeymooners " comprised some of the best TV comedy ever. Not being African-American I'm not in a position to assess the racial aspects that might be offensive adequately. However, the case for insensitivity can be made in almost any situation in respect to any ethnic group. We all find moments that might seem discomforting at times and yet stereotypes persist despite our best intentions. Jack Benny's frugality can be construed as a Jewish trait associated with extreme financial cautiousness, yet I'm Jewish and find it both endearing and funny. Let's face it, bigots will always find fault in those they despise and any trait or mannerism will be exploited in a negative light. After all it is only a fool who believes that these traits are universal to a given ethnicity and they should never be given priority. If that were the case surely "The Sopranos" should have been taken off the air as a negative depiction of Italians and yet it was the most popular show on television. Granted no group likes to be cast as gangsters, yet it would be naive to assume Italians are the sole exponents of criminal enterprises given the existence of the Yakuza, Russian Mafia and assorted other criminal groups associated with other ethnic groups. Amos & Andy can hardly be placed in the same category of negativity in that the show displays African-Americans in all sorts of professional occupations i.e. lawyers, doctors, ministers etc. I'm sure that in recent years shows like "Martin" could be cited as far more racially bias in its storylines. True, Amos & Andy was originally done on radio by two white guys and I can certainly see why there was cause for consternation there, yet the TV show seemed to correct that very indiscretion with the use of black actors. Yes, Andy is always duped by the Kingfish, but on closer examination the plot generally turns the tables on the Kingfish and Andy is the victor, much in the manner that Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello etc. comedy duos have played off one another through the years. But ultimately, I think the audience has to ask themselves are we laughing at these people or with them. Unequivocally, in my case I'm laughing with these actors and marvel at their craft. My affection for these characters as a child has still not diminished as I view the DVD today. Laughter is an involuntary reaction and comes from a place within us that I feel is most closely related to our feelings of love and affection.