Reply #31: The two shows you mention highlight two real realities ....

[JoePhilly]

1) The Huxtables introduced many whites to those middle class African Americans who they had never met themselves.

2) Archie (and family) introduced whites to many of their own stereotypes in an real and uncomfortable way. And, perhaps as importantly, Archie introduced some blacks to a more honest view of white discomfort with racial issues ... a theme Obama touched on after the Wright BS.

As a mid-40s white guy .... I learned a lot about race from those two shows.

And in the 80s, I was attending Central High (Cosby's former high school), which was about 45% white, 45% black, 10% "other".

Bill is over reaching ... but ... he helped break down some real barriers ... as did Archie.

Let him enjoy the small part he played.