Revolution Televised.pdf

Respect Yourself! 139
He’s [J.J.] 18 and he doesn’t work. He can’t read and write. He
doesn’t think. The show didn’t start out to be that. Michael’s role of
a bright, thinking child has been subtly reduced. Little by little—with
the help of the artist [Jimmy Walker], I suppose, because they couldn’t
do that to me—they have made him more stupid and enlarged the
role. [Negative images] have been quietly slipped in on us through
the character of the oldest child. I resent the imagery that says to
black kids that you can make it by standing on the corner saying
“Dy-no-mite!” 34
Norman Lear released John Amos from his contract in September
1976. Rolle eventually quit the show before the 1977–78 season
because of her displeasure with the character J.J. and the general
direction the show was taking. Once Rolle was gone, J.J. became
entrenched as the head of the household, and the category of pure
sitcom is clearly evident. 35
In the episode “Wheels” (September 9, 1977), J.J. and his friends
purchase a used car from the building manager, Bookman. Although
the suggestion that wealthier people who live in better neighborhoods
pay less insurance is briefly introduced, the episode revolves
primarily around the mishaps with the vehicle and provides time
for J.J. to sing with his friends. In “J.J.’s Condition” (January 19,
Esther Rolle criticized the character J.J. in newspapers and magazines.