The honors for the first Random Wikipedia Link of the Day go to A Different World. It’s interesting how The Cosby Show really killed the idea of the blaxploitation sitcom, only to have it resurrected a few years later by UPN and the WB. A Different World was set in an entirely black universe, yet it was on a major network and did well in the ratings, lasting for 6 seasons.

I can’t really comment on black-centric TV shows that first aired when I was young, like Sanford and Son, Good Times, and What’s Happening?, but I would assume that because there were very few viewing options in those days, the shows were just worked into the regular schedule. Now, we have black-centric shows on black-centric nights, totally marginalized to ensure that white people don’t watch them.

Sure, there are a few crossover sitcoms every now and again, like Everyone Hates Chris or The Bernie Mac Show, but these are only considered crossover because they’re centered around black stars who have a proven ability to attract white audiences. Could it be that, in our quest to target every walk of life to the appropriate demographic, we are undermining the very principles of integration? Discuss, my white friends. (Or if someone who isn’t white happens to stumble across this post — doubtful that it will be one of my black friends, as I don’t actually have any black friends — I would love to hear your opinion, too.)