Post #2361769

2026-04-23 01:47 UTC

It's an interesting problem because the Addams Family sitcom from the 60s has a few racist jokes, but... it's from the 60s. And it was pretty woke for the time, compared to most contemporary media. And I don't think the racist jokes were mean-spirited the way Stonetoss' racism is. I know this is comic strips and the sitcom is TV, but it's an interesting thought exercise. Then there's Dilbert, which, wow, a lot to think about there. The comic engages in racist stereotypes about African nations, but doesn't use them to put down Africans, but the creator was MAGA, but the comic was anti-misogyny and he's dead... Dilbert is a fascinating case because I've no idea what My opinion is now that Scott Adams is dead. Lovecraft, I know I'm okay with because he died so long ago, everything he made is in the public domain and can therefore be reinterpreted however we please, even though the man himself was far, far more racist than Scot Adams. So it's wild. But I guess what I think I've talked Myself into believing is, how recently the creator died matters.

Replies (1)

@dohpaz42@lemmy.world 2026-04-23 02:08

It’s a difficult path to walk. Even things that were socially okay 5-10 years ago could be abhorrent today. Everything now is especially raw given the current rift between the different groups of certain people. And then there are those who like to poke the proverbial bear for whatever reasons they have, be it for attention, enjoyment, or because they are simply mean spirited. There are also those who do it unintentionally or without malice. As I said to another commenter, it’s not black and white and will need to be dealt with on a case by case basis. Personally, I find things like the origins of the Adamm’s Family comics interesting. The TV show and movies are staples of our culture, then and now; even if some of their original content was not up to our current standards. But, I also respect that some people may not feel the same as me, and that’s to be expected. As long as we all remain respectful, we are encouraged to disagree in this community. It’s the only way we can be a genuine community.

Open ##2361770