Author Jennifer Mangan’s premise that family TV sitcoms of the 1950s and 1960s reflected typical American life is incorrect (“Family Fantasyland,” TV Week, Jan. 2-8).
Television programs of this era were governed by codes of ethics and network censorship. Men and women were not allowed to share the same bed, on film, unless they were married in real life.
“All in the Family” gave us the first look at what we were really like. This is not to suggest that an Archie Bunker headed every household. However, each family had its share of prejudice and bigotry. Producer Norman Lear made us laugh at the foolishness of our dysfunctions.
Nor do the programs of the ’90s, based on urban contemporary life, mirror the vast American majority. Produced and merchandised towards a target audience, these programs are designed, as were those in the ’60s, to appeal to the largest possible audience. With many more program choices, the viewers vote with their remote controls on each episode.
