TV "Happy Endings"- for who?

Following tutorials in looking at Herman Gray's theories of representation of minority groups in television, I was surprised to think of how many examples there were. However, one stood out to me for several reasons. Firstly, it was so subtle, I had hardly noticed it which was perhaps due to the comedic nature. Secondly, I found it amusing. This was problematic as it revealed to me that despite all attempts, being inferential (Stuart Hall) can surprise you and take you off guard; these stereotypes are without a doubt instilled in our culture.

A few weeks ago, on Wednesday night, I watched a half hour comedy show called 'Happy Endings'. Two of the characters are married, a white woman and a black male and they are of middle class. In thinking of assimilationist television shows, I remembered this one as having only one black character who is undoubtedly assimilated into the 'white culture'. As Gray notes, black characters can often only assimilate with white groups on television if they have dropped all elements of their culture and social life- I have never seen this character have any black friends.

There was one stand out moment in the show, which insinuated a separation for the black male and his race entirely. The husband and wife were discussing if their friend should 'come out' as a homosexual to his parents. The white lady argued he should be open and honest. Her husband responded:

"Remember how long it took you to tell your parents you were living with a black man?"

This line was delivered satirically as to amuse the audience; there was no insinuation that the man was hurt or upset by the worry cast upon him by his race. There are several insinuations as a result of this.
1. As Gray notes, racism on in television shows such as this sitcom is always an individual's problem which can be later seen as a 'misunderstanding' and easily remedied
2. As the couple are now married, it can be assumed that the white woman's parents met the future husband and realising he wasn't "that sort of black man" approved of him

The second point insinuates that the male is so far from his black culture and social world that the parents could almost see him as a 'honorary white' as was the situation with the Japanese in the past.

This one line finished the scene, it was never brought up again in the episode. After considering the scene I couldn't help wondering who on the show was going to have a 'Happy Ending' if the only black male included has to be entirely assimilated in a white only group