Eyewit witness accounts of events are not always accurate. The stories described by depend on how witnesses read the situation. The same is true when it comes to interpreting the representation of race and/or ethnicity in media productions. Because situations acquire meaning through the process of social construction (the interpretation of a situation based on one's knowledge), the same event can be seen and internalized by witnesses who express opposing viewpoints. This analysis will compare the representation and rejection of socially constructed stereotypes relating to race and ethnicity in three sitcoms: All in the Family, The Jefferson's, and The Cosby Show. Norman Lear, a political and social activist, joined forces with Bud Yorkin and formed Tandem Productions which developed and produced the sitcoms All in the Family and The Jefferson's, among others. All in the Family (1971 to 1979) and The Jefferson's (1975–1985), a spin-off and "black-cast" version of the predominantly "white" All in the Family, aired on the CBS television network after having been refused by ABC. network. Lear's bigoted father provided the basis for the script dialogue. (Winzenburg 2004) (NormanLear.com). The Cosby Show (1984-1992), created by Bill Cosby, based on his life story, aired on NBC after being rejected by ABC. Although the main casts of The Jefferson's and The Cosby Show are "black", critics claim that these shows instill "white" elements and are not representative of black struggles (Class Dismissed, film). Archie Bunker (All in the Family) and George Jefferson (the Jeffersons) are stubborn fanatics, incapable of justifying their arguments. In Archie's case, his bumbling buffoon antics support stereotypical working-class intelligence...... middle of paper......" Journal of Black Studies. 25:6. 1995. Internet . P. 692-711. November 12, 2013Winzenburg, Stephen. http://normanlear.com. Bill Cosby Biograph.” The Biography Channel Website 2013. November 18, 2013 http://www.biography.com/people/bill-cosby-9258468. Palmer, Gareth. an ideological basis." Critical Inquiry 6:2. p. 188-194. Luther, Catherine A. and Jodi L. Rightler-McDaniels. 'Never Planned': Portrayals of Interracial Marriage in American News Magazines.” Journal of Magazine and New Media Research 14:1. Internet. November 12, 2013. McCarthy, Tyler. “The success of sitcoms is a reflection of an evolving society.” Campus Daily. January 29, 2012. The web. November 17. 2013.