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Deep Dive: Color Adjustment (1992)

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Color Adjustment
Color Adjustment is a documentary that examines 40 years of race relations and the portrayal of African Americans on prime-time television. Narrated by Ruby Dee, it serves as a sequel to Marlon Riggs's Ethnic Notions, focusing on racial stereotypes during the broadcast era. The film analyzes popular television shows such as Amos 'n' Andy, The Jeffersons, and The Cosby Show, revealing how these programs reflected and shaped societal views on race while often avoiding the realities of racial conflict. The documentary argues that African Americans were included in television narratives only when their presence did not disrupt the idealized American Dream. It contrasts the sanitized portrayals in sitcoms with the actual struggles of the Civil Rights Movement, using clips from television alongside news footage from that era. Interviews with writers, producers, and Black performers provide insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of these shows and their impact on race relations in America.

Why Watch

  • •See how sitcoms shaped views on race in America.
  • •Meet influential Black performers discussing their roles.
  • •Find out about the impact of shows like The Cosby Show.

Did You Know

•Color Adjustment won a Peabody Award in 1992.
•The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
•It received a National Emmy Award Nomination for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Research.
•It features interviews with notable figures like Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Steven Bochco.

Perfect For

Television history enthusiastsCivil Rights Movement studiesAfrican American cultural representation