‘The John Larroquette Show’ Confuses Racial Stereotypes With Humor

Howard Rosenberg’s glowing review of “The John Larroquette Show” (“ ‘John Larroquette Show’ on Right Track to Laughs,” Calendar, Sept. 2), where he found it “. . . has the potential to be prime time’s next great comedy series . . .” and “. . . is probably closest to the late, great ‘Taxi’ in the way it integrates interestingly written characters into soulful comedy . . . ,” was a bit premature. Why? Well, the episode on Sept. 14 resembled not so much the “great ‘Taxi’ ” as the deplorable “Amos ‘n Andy” show.

In fact, “The John Larroquette Show” is a case in point of television reinforcing ugly racial stereotypes that, in terms of objectionable program content, rank right up there with issues of needless violence and nudity, not to mention tastelessness.

With a cast of ethnically diverse characters who interact with each other in humorous situations that test Larroquette’s sobriety, we wonder why it was necessary for this episode to focus so much attention on an African-American’s genitals in a way that was neither funny nor in good taste, and set the tone for some of the most racist and demeaning television we have seen for some time. It’s a tone that unfortunately has not vanished from the Larroquette series, ever since the episode that first astonished us.

Early in the show, Gene the custodian (Chi McBride) finds to his dismay a “white patch” on his penis. His actions from then on degenerate into what we can only describe as a “show-and-tell affair” of the most disgusting kind. Though at all times his back is turned to the television camera, it is clear that he unzips his pants and exposes himself at various times when appearing before other characters in the show asking their opinion of the “white patch.”

And, in one of the lowest points of the show, Gene is shown in a camera booth with his pants and undershorts down to his ankles taking several pictures of his genitals that are later shown to others. The final insult is acted out near the end of the show when Carly (Gigi Rice), a white prostitute, finally convinces Gene that the “white patch” is nothing but a thumb print in white paint.

What bothers us about this episode--in addition to the demeaning central incident of the show--is that once again an African-American actor is portrayed in a stereotypical role as a custodian. Comedy or not, haven’t we seen enough porters, custodians, maids, seamstresses, shoe shiners, pimps, etc., on television played by African-Americans?

There is too much racist symbolism in “The John Larroquette Show” and perhaps if Rosenberg had waited longer before reviewing it, he might have been able to give readers his understanding of what Gene’s “white patch” symbolizes. To us, this is a “symbol” of clear racist meaning. Too harsh? Think again. First, the “white patch” is on black skin, the starkest contrast there can be. Second, this “white patch” so confounds Gene’s intelligence--make no mistake, they don’t give him much--that he is portrayed in the most idiotic manner, including physically exposing himself in public. Third, there is a scene where Gene exposes himself to Larroquette. While looking, Larroquette angles his head in a long motion downward as if to imply he is seeing an elongated abnormality--which reinforces one of the worst racist stereotypes of African-American males in history.

Yes, we were enraged after watching the show and we felt a great pity that two talented African-American actors, both Chi McBride and Daryl (Chill) Mitchell, participated. Larroquette is one of the executive producers of the show and it seems his portrayal of a recovering alcoholic (which in real life he is) has more compassion and sensitivity than is allowed for Gene’s dimwitted character.

This episode dipped into the racist pit of stupid portrayals (Stepin Fetchit comes to mind) many in America would have thought we left behind. Rosenberg should take another look.

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