The Race Card

Two video shorts I've posted here recently have prominent mentions in a Times article this morning on the increased frequency of race-based humor in network and cable sitcoms.

I concur and applaud this development.

Curb Your Enthusiasm, which had the Black family move in with Larry and Cheryl, as well as 30 Rock, have both crossed lines unthinkable a few years back this year when it comes to making racial stereotypes the butt of jokes.

The paper correctly notes that the theme running through the gags almost invariably has to do with white uncomfortability with racial stereotypes, but you have to start somewhere.

Kudos to these shows, though, for pushing the envelope. The taboo around including all ethnic groups in the humour pool is, in my opinion, more demeaning than respectful and this is a sign of progress.