The Cosby Show Research Paper

The trickster character is often use in African American Comedy. The definition of a trickster is a person who plays tricks who also is a deceiver, cheat and a fraud. In literature, a trickster is a supernatural figure appearing in various guises and typically engaging in mischievous activities. Tricksters usually succeed by outsmarting or out thinking their opponents. The trickster figure originated in African American culture, through African folklore. When Africans were force to come to the New World for slavery, they brought over stories and tales with them. As black slaves gained literacy and began to write about their experiences, they incorporated figures from oral tradition into their written creations. The oral tradition over time developed into African American literature. African Americans created worlds in which animal actions were reflective of human actions during and after slavery. A great example of a popular trickster character can be found in the Uncle Remus

The Cosby Show is iconic and highly praised and respected. It was created by successful comedian Bill Cosby and was based off f his real family life. The Cosby Show was one of the first television show to represent African Americans in a positive light. The show focuses on the Huxtable family who is an upper middle class black family living in Brooklyn New York. Bill Cosby played the husband and father, Dr Heathcliff Huxtable who was a doctor. Phylicia Rashad played the wife and mother who was a lawyer. The Huxtable had 5 children Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy. The Huxtables were educated, intelligent, and respectful. The family was very kind and loving toward one another. The show had a comedic tone, the family would laugh and joke with each other. The show also touches on serious issues as well. The Cosby Show was an example of a happy, loving functional African American