Color Adjustment is a 1991 documentary film that explores the representation of African Americans on television. The film features interviews with TV producers, actors, and scholars, who offer commentary on various TV shows that depict black people in different roles. The documentary analyzes the evolution of black/white relations in America and highlights the impact that TV programming has had on these relations.
The film is divided into five sections based on different eras of television programming. The first section, "Sambo and the Coon," discusses early television programming in the 1950s and 1960s, which often portrayed black people as comedic characters with stereotypes such as "Sambo," "Coon," and "Mammy." The second section, "Jungle Jive to Hill Street Blues," covers the 1970s and 1980s, when television shows began to feature more diverse and complex portrayals of black people, while still grappling with stereotypes.
The third section, "The New Black and White," focuses on shows like The Cosby Show and A Different World, which portrayed upscale black families and college life. The fourth section, "Color Adjustment 2.0," addresses shows like Roc and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which depicted the challenges of black urban life. Finally, the fifth section, "The End of Whiteness," discusses contemporary programming and how TV has contributed to an increasingly diverse and inclusive entertainment landscape.
Color Adjustment uses a combination of archival footage and interviews to provide a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of black representation on television. The film is notable for its frank discussion of the role that TV has played in shaping perceptions of race in America and for its insightful analysis of how black people have been represented on-screen. It remains a landmark documentary in the history of American television and race relations.