06/12/2023
Norman Lear died yesterday at the age of 101. The media is variously referring to him as "TV Legend," "Iconic TV and movie producer," "legendary TV producer," "sitcom genius," "TV Titan," "Television Pioneer," and "celebrated US TV writer and producer." And while they all think they have him right, they are all dead wrong, or at least highly reductive with these career labels. Norman Lear was a great humanitarian, activist, and patriot. He was also an artist. Rarely does television have the capability to shape culture. Norman Lear turned comedy sitcoms into an artform that did just that. His skill in that area is unmatched to this day.
People could really see themselves in his shows' stories - ALL people - and made serious topics important but we could also laugh at ourselves. His show gave moral guidance to almost the entire Generation X, and for many in that generation, some of the only parenting they got, since they were often raised as "latchkey" children with an "electronic babysitter." His shows' themes were in stark contrast to the more saccharine so-called "family friendly" conservative shows of the era. Themes explored were racial, gender, and income inequality. He did not shy away from racism, sexism, abortion, and homophobia as topics, in an era that barely talked about either. And he did it, along with his actors, with heart and compassion.
Jerry Falwell called Norman Lear the "Number One enemy of the American Family," which was a point of pride for Lear who saw Falwell and his ilk the most clear and present danger to not only the family but to society at large, and in direct response to that threat, Lear founded "People for the American Way," whose mission promises "to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts." Read their tribute to Lear here: https://www.pfaw.org/about/our-founder-norman-lear/
I have long admired Norman Lear for using his creative powers for greater societal good. I hope he passed knowing that he was able to make life a little better with his art and his activism, and that his fight against fascism that he set in motion with his organization will continue as his personal legacy as a true lover of freedom and humanity. I highly recommend reading his memoir that I've attached here. - Proprietor of Mojo 2 Spare Productions LLC, Stephanie Lewis
