Sunday, August 30, 2009

7053: Mad Minstrel.


The third episode of AMC series Mad Men presented the return of Carla, the Draper’s housekeeper. And it appears that creator Matthew Weiner is attempting to integrate racist elements.

For example, Betty’s semi-senile father lost $5—which was actually lifted by young Sally Draper. While Carla searched for the missing money, she wondered aloud when the old man would accuse her of stealing the loot. After Gramps accidentally called Carla by the name of Viola—his old Black housekeeper introduced in the second season—he asked if Carla knew Viola. Carla snapped, “We don’t all know each other…” Plus, she displayed serious sass when continuing to deal with Grandpa. However, she didn’t join the kids and old man at the dinner table, opting to eat while standing nearby.

In another racial spectacle, Roger Sterling performed a song in full Blackface. It seemed a little out of place for 1960 New York—although completely in keeping with the show’s out-of-touch racial depictions.

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