I Love Ricky Analysis

1. I Love Lucy: How does this program deal with—or exploit—Ricky's Cuban heritage?

The I Love Lucy Television Series took a risk by introducing a multiracial family as the main characters of the show; however the comedy hit became one of the most successful of the early 1950’s. Husband, Ricky Ricardo was introduced as your typical hot headed Cuban, who worked a medium to lower class job as an entertainer/musician at a local nightclub. There have been times when the program deliberately joked or pointed out Ricky’s “Latin tongue” and dialect when he interpreted “Bus” meaning “Boss” during the “Ricky Asks for a Raise” episode. I feel the I Love Lucy television series helped shed light on the Latin Community, sending a message that it is socially acceptable for a multiracial couple to coexist with society within that era, therefore desensitizing its viewers.

2. The Andy Griffith Show: Andy Taylor deals with a variety of disruptive or outright chaotic characters: Barney, Otis, Gomer, and Ernest T. Bass. Discuss how two of these characters function in the show. Why are they there?

Sheriff Andy Taylor deals with a variety of unusual characters such as his Deputy Sheriff Barney and Mayberry’s town alcoholic

When Rob brings home his co-workers dog, “Larry” the German shepherd, without permission or without Laura and son, Richie‘s knowledge; they are initially not impressed. As a matter of fact, Richie is terrified of the huge dog and calls it a “wolf” through most of the show; but in the end, Richie and Laura accept the new house guest. The moral of that episode is communication is a key aspect in order to have a successful relationship at home. Also, Rob Petrie’s home life is ideal of other family men in the early 1960’s. Rob has an obedient housewife that cooks, cleans and tends to his and their son’s