We’re Not in Mayberry Anymore: the Militarization of Domestic Police

[NorthCarolinaLiberty]

Anybody ever notice that this "good old family values show" didn't have any married people in it? (Except- I think- Otis the drunk)

I never thought the eccentric/atypical characters were supposed to be part of a broader political or even social statement. Their oddball charm was playing off the practical Sheriff Taylor. Andy Griffith once said that the show actually had a 1930s nostalgia feel to it. In that context, I think the characters somewhat represent the eccentricities in all of us. The eccentric juxtaposition with the idyllic town is what makes the show work. You might say there is a social statement since it aired in the 60s, but that theme has been done in other time periods.

As far as "family values" shows. I think many are mischaracterized. For example, I've seen a few episodes of Leave it to Beaver. There is sometimes a real smart aleck undertone in the writing as evidenced by some very sarcastic dialogue. It seems to me the modern shows come up short when they try to recreate this. The Cosby Show, for instance, is a forced and corny return to the 1950s that just doesn't work.

Just my opinion from what I've watched.

 

[NorthCarolinaLiberty]

Precisely what they want you to think.

Who is "they?" Got a name?

 

[H. E. Panqui]

That's because there is no "American community" anymore.

Just balkanized factions of ethnic, political, and cultural strongholds all glaring at and hating each other.

If you're going to hold such a nation together, it will require heavily armed and brutal enforcers on every street corner.

...some good points...but don't forget the strong thread$ that bind us together....it seems to me 'the american community' is 99%+ in unison as to the lack of any honest understandings of the hideous origin, nature, etc., of 'the money,' money system, etc., under which we are inevitably enslaved, abused, etc... hardly a stinking peep from 'the american community'...the american community (especially the pathetic, disgusting republicans and democrats) is a sleepy, quiet community when it comes to the most important thing$...but man are these gd fool republicrats loud and angry about the piddling quibbles they pick-up on teevee/radio, etc.!...[republicrats and other gd fools truly have some bizarre, manufactured priorities, don't they?!]