Watch Color Adjustment

Color Adjustment is a 1992 documentary directed by Marlon T. Riggs. The film explores the representation of African Americans in television during the post-Civil Rights era of the 1960s to the 1990s. The documentary analyzes how the medium of television influenced and reflected the changing attitudes towards race during this period.

The film features interviews with notable African American performers, writers, and directors, such as Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee, Quincy Jones, Norman Lear, and Amiri Baraka. It also includes commentary from media experts and scholars who provide insight into the social and cultural impact of television.

The first section of the film examines the 1950s and early 1960s, when African Americans were largely absent from television or portrayed in negative, stereotypical roles. The documentary provides examples of this phenomenon, including clips from shows such as Amos 'n' Andy and The Beulah Show.

The second section of the film looks at the 1960s and 1970s, a period of significant social change in America, which coincided with a push for more positive representation of African Americans on television. Color Adjustment highlights groundbreaking shows like Good Times, The Jeffersons, and Sanford and Son, which portrayed African Americans as complex, three-dimensional characters with their own voices, rather than just stereotypical sidekicks or comedic foils for white characters.

The documentary also explores the phenomenon of "blaxploitation" films, which became popular in the 1970s, and the criticism they received from some African American activists who felt they perpetuated negative stereotypes.

The third and final section of the film looks at the 1980s and 1990s, a period of backlash against earlier gains made in the representation of African Americans on television. During this time, a new wave of sitcoms emerged, featuring middle-class African American families, such as The Cosby Show and Family Matters. However, some critics accused these shows of promoting a "colorblind" approach to race, in which racial differences were ignored rather than celebrated.

Color Adjustment is a thoughtful and well-researched documentary that provides valuable insight into the evolution of the representation of African Americans on television. The film does an excellent job of contextualizing the portrayal of African Americans on television within the broader social and political changes of the time period. By providing multiple perspectives on the issue, the documentary also encourages viewers to consider their own views on the role of television in shaping attitudes towards race.

Overall, Color Adjustment is a thought-provoking documentary that both educates and entertains. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of African American representation on television and its impact on American culture.

Color Adjustment is a 1991 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.