themselves seeking in the ’80s. Widely proclaimed as the most brilliant of contemporary comics, Pryor was born in a ghetto in Peoria, Illinois. A troubled youth caused him to drop out of school in junior high, and eventually led him into comedy. Comedy for Pryor became more a form of expression and survival than it served any mirthful purpose. Spotted in a N.Y. coffee house, broke and struggling, by a TV producer, Pryor was invited to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show. He has since won an Emmy for television comedy-variety writing, written material for Lily Tomlin, Flip Wilson and the “Sandford and Son” series, starred in several top-grossing films, most recently Stir Crazy and Bustin’ Loose, and struck gold with several top selling and critically acclaimed comedy albums. But his bouts with the IRS, drugs, women and even other show business personalities have been well-publicized. Pryor’s humor is for the most part strictly ghetto. When he comes onstage he usually opens with: “Thanks for coming. I hope I’m funny ’cause niggers will kick ass after they spend their money and you ain’t funny.” Pryor’s humor addresses blacks personally and dares whites to come along if they have the guts. Many have, but just as many have been turned off by his unrelenting digs. Said Pryor: “White folks are cold. 1 went down to the courthouse the other day looking for justice...and that’s what I found...just us!” Given free reign by NBC to produce and star in his own comedy show a few years back, “The Richard Pryor Show” was generally regarded as a masterpiece of innovation, but met with the same fate as Redd Foxx’ comedy-variety show on ABC. The show was axed because of a disagreement between Pryor and the network over censorship. Ironically, Pryor hasn’t worked on television since, preferring to make movies, write material for others, appear on talk shows and make headlines with his troubled life. Pryor’s humor is for the most part strictly ghetto. When he comes onstage he usually opens with: “Thanks for coming. I hope I’m funny ’cause niggers will kick ass after they spend their money and you ain’t funny.” Rrobably the best success story of a black comedian making a smooth transition to television and its narrow format is Bill Cosby. Born in the Philadelphia ghetto, Cosby says this about his humor: “I don’t follow anybody else. My humor, whether you dig it or not, has got to be real, something that has happened or is now happening.” The formula has served Cosby well. He was spotted playing second- rate nightclubs in New York in 1965, and was immediately signed to star opposite Robert Culp in the highly successful adventure series “I Spy.” His entry into television on a white- oriented show helped his cause immensely. In 1968, Cosby was given his own show, starring as Chet Kincaid in “The Bill Cosby Show.” Cosby has also appeared in top grossing films, won 5 Grammys for his comedy albums and has one of the most successful nightclub acts on the big-time club circuit. He pulls in the big bucks as well from commercial endorsements ranging from Ford to Jello. Perhaps because of his rough childhood, Cosby has a special affection for children and their education. His popular “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids” cartoon series and his critically acclaimed “The Electric Company” are prime examples of his concern for young children. His comedy tends to be low key and humorous, rather than gut busting funny like Pryor’s or Foxx’. Cosby sits informally before his audience in pullover sweater and tie and relates tales of growing up with the gang, family, parent-child relationships and run-ins with the missus. Cosby’s Harvard look (he’s a college graduate with a degree from Temple University) has served him in good stead, and today he’s one of the few black comedians rated acceptable for television in the ’80s. Now that the situation comedy farce, “The Good Times” and “What’s Happening,” where blacks like Jimmy Walker, Fred Berry, Shirley Hemphill and Luwanda Page were called upon to act out all the stereotypes of blacks lurking ominously in the heads of whites, has been relegated to the scrap heap by black indignation, the ’80s promise no black comedic boom. Only black comedians who can also appeal to whites will have much of a chance of making television in the ’80s. With the exceptions of those already established talents, few black comedians stand prominently in the wings. The ’80s is the era of the bright, white, sterilized and purified comedian in the vein of Robin Williams, Diana Canova, Chevy Chase, Lily Tomlin and others of the new comic genre. The old hands like Carson and Hope will get their exposure of course, but the ’80s definitely belong to the Morks of comedy. And what of the black comedian? The club circuit is all but dead, and one only has to turn to the tube to fathom that there just aren’t that many black comedians or black comedy shows on television anymore. Blame it on the economics of television, the new conservative trend sweeping the country, long-held prejudices by white producers or the unwillingness of the black comedian to sell out, but the fact remains that the position of the black comedian and black comedy in the ’80s is hapless to say the least. It’s certainly nothing to laugh about. Political Art Calendar 1982 Keep track of important political and social events with this unique political art calendar for 1982, and help support progressive politics at the same time. Artists/activists from across the country contributed their art to this project of the Citizens Party: compelling images of women’s equality, racism, disarmament. El Salvador, labor, nuclear war and others. Important anniversaries and other dates in our history are also commemorated. Only $51 A perfect gift for friends and all proceeds go to help the Citizens Party work for economic democracy and social justice. Order yours now, or see this unique project at the party’s information booth at Saturday Market. Mail pre-paid orders to: Citizens Party/Calendar Number of calendars ordered at $5/ea. 3525 NE 13th Ave. _____ Amount enclosed Portland, OR 97212 Name ________.______________________________________________ Address _______________________________________ — ---------------- City State------------------ Zip-------------------- A Project of the CITIZENS PARTY IRON WOODSTOVES. 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