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Russell Simmons: “Good Times” was for white people. “The Jeffersons” was for black people.

posted 9 months ago by Techto (1108)
5 replies | jump to latest

Interviewed for the 2015 documentary “Norman Lear, Just Another Version of You,” Russell Simmons said:

“Good Times” was, you know, it’s cool. I mean, it was insight into a loving family. Get to like them. Get to speak like them. “Good Times” was for white people. For white people to get to know them and maybe sympathize with them. Maybe love them. Maybe see them in the street and want to talk to them. “The Jeffersons” was for black people. Aspirational, angry to some degree. The Jeffersons represented the American dream for black people.

[–] BourbonKing (5672) 3 months ago

Both shows portrayed Latinos and Asians with stereotypical caricatures, so it's not as Black & White as some would think

[–] Corbell (9005) 3 months ago

i remember as a small white child liking teh story of Jefferson working hard and becoming successfully, ie moving to a deluxe apartment in the sky". Being maybe even a little inspired.

Guess that was wrong of me. The story was for BLACK PEOPLE.

Of course, it is weren't for WHITE VIEWERS, who watched it and enjoyed, it, the ratings would have sucked ass and it would never have lasted past the pilot.

White people of the 70s. No credit to them for being able to connect with a "black people" story? LOL.

[–] parkerbot (5879) 3 months ago

I watched and enjoyed both.

[–] Moonglum9 (10761) 3 months ago

Whatchu tawkin' bout, Simmons!

[–] liscarkat (16869) 3 months ago

They're for anybody. A tv show or movie doesn't have to be about people like you in order for you to enjoy it, unless you're very narrow-minded.