Experts in ethnic studies, communications, and media studies offer essays analyzing representations of family, gender, class, race, and ethnicity in the American situation comedies since 1940. The essays are intended to help scholars and students become more critical television viewers. Topics include controversies about bigotry and stereotypes in Amos 'n' Andy and All in the Family , and the queer reading of Lavern and Shirley. The 15 essays are edited by Morreale (communications, Northeastern U.). Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)